Show the ten most powerful poisons. What are the types of human poisoning? Chemical compounds and gases

Many inquisitive people have most likely wondered what the most poisonous creature on earth is. I wonder what for a long time it was generally believed that these were snakes and spiders. But research by scientists has painted a different picture for us. And now we will look at what, in their opinion, is the most poisonous creature in the world. The top 10 offered below may be extremely surprising to some nature lovers.

First place - box jellyfish

The box jellyfish has another name - “sea wasp”, because after it stings, the victim experiences unbearable pain. Many would agree that this is the most poisonous creature in the world. The Guinness Book of Records also shares this point of view. This jellyfish is reported to kill a person in a short time, from 1 to 3 minutes. But this is not the only thing that makes her a terrible enemy. The deadly tentacles can simultaneously affect up to 60 people if they are within a radius of 8 meters. Extremely fast and irreversible. Toxins attack the heart muscle and nervous system, causing hellish pain. If the touch of the tentacles was superficial, severe burns remain.

There is an antidote. If you immediately treat the bite with a solution of acetic acid, there is a chance of survival, but this is usually not possible. Jellyfish victims drowned because they went into shock or died from cardiac arrest. Every year from poison sea ​​wasp About 6,000 vacationers die. Only a few people survived the bite, and they were still in pain weeks later.

This most poisonous creature in the world (photo shown above) lives in the waters of Northern Australia, but sometimes the “wasp” is found near South Asia. At the same time, it is quite difficult to see the object in the water, since the jellyfish merges. But there is a creature that is not afraid of the box jellyfish - the sea turtle.

Second place - king cobra

Some are ready to dispute that the most poisonous creature on earth is that there are snakes with more toxic poison. But in the Guinness book it ranks honorable second place due to how much poison it sprays at a time. It reaches a length of 4 meters, but since these cobras grow throughout their lives (and they can live 30 years), some individuals reach 6 meters.

The amount of venom injected depends on the size of the victim, but the dose is usually slightly larger than necessary to be lethal.

A case was recorded where he died within three hours Indian elephant because I was amazed king cobra. At large quantities poison, a person dies within 15 minutes from paralysis and respiratory arrest. But even scarier is the fact that the cobra is capable of rising up to a third of its height. If its length is 5 meters, then it extends to 1.6 meters. But the good news is that they do not attack first (unless disturbed).

Its habitat is the forests of South Asia, but since active deforestation is underway, cobras are forced to move closer to human habitat.

Third place - Scorpio Leyurus

Another most poisonous creature in the world is the Leyurus scorpion, which is found in the territory North Africa, as well as in the Middle East. Although these scorpions are not aggressive and will not attack unless they sense danger, their venom can kill a person. Although there are many dangerous scorpions in nature, this subspecies is the most deadly. Leiruses carry a “cocktail” of neuroleptics; if it enters the bloodstream, the victim will die.

Initially, the stung area swells and the person feels incredible pain, after which a fever sets in, developing into convulsions. Finally, paralysis and death occur. It is interesting that before committing a deadly attack, the “baby” begins to move, as if dancing, and this warns of his intention.

Fourth place - taipan

Among the world's creatures is the taipan. The danger lies in the huge amount of poison that is released during the attack. This land snake capable of fatally infecting 100 people. Its poisonous mixture is approximately 400 times more toxic than the venom of an ordinary cobra. After being bitten by an adult, death occurs on average within 45 minutes. About 90% of attacks on humans are fatal, even though an antidote exists and many people know about it.

This snake is very aggressive and can attack suddenly at a speed of 4 m/sec. But at the same time, taipans are quite timid and, sensing danger, can crawl away. This creature lives in Australia on arid plains, but often crawls towards water.

Fifth place - dart frog

Some believe that the most poisonous creature on the planet is the dart frog because of its deceptive appearance. She looks very attractive and completely defenseless, but this is a deception. Her skin of bright, rich color is covered with poison (batrachotoxin), which, when it comes into contact with a person through microscopic damage, easily penetrates the body. A gram of its poison can kill 10 people. This toxic substance consists of hundreds of components that have a nerve-paralytic effect. The scary thing is that the antidote has not yet been created and it is practically impossible to escape from the effects of the poison that gets on the skin.

Scientists know of 179 species of these “deceptive” creatures. They are divided into nocturnal (harmless) and daytime (toxic).

These poisonous amphibians can grow up to 8 cm. But the smallest ones (1.5 - 2.5 cm) are considered the most poisonous. They can be found in Central and South America in the rain forests. They are also called "dart frogs" because in the past, Aboriginal people used their poison to lubricate arrowheads.

It is noteworthy that these creatures do not produce poison on their own; they get it from poisonous insects.

Sixth place - blue-ringed octopus

This ring-shaped octopus has also earned a place in the ranking of "the most poisonous creature on the planet." Although this is a creation small size, no larger than a baseball (weight 100 g), it is toxic and dangerous poison. One portion that the octopus releases at a time is enough to poison 25 people. Death can occur in a few minutes. During this time, the victim will begin to experience problems with vision and speech, and numbness will occur. Next, the person will have difficulty breathing. The next disastrous symptom is complete paralysis. Lack of oxygen and cardiac arrest will lead to death. It is impossible to neutralize the effect of the poison, since no antidote has been created.

This “cute” creature lives near the Australian and South Asian coasts. It is widespread and prefers shallow depths. But fortunately he leads nightlife, so it’s not easy to stumble across it. In addition, the creature has a calm disposition and attacks only if it is “pissed off.” Its ability to change color sometimes leads to incidents, because the octopus is confused with other harmless coastal inhabitants.

Seventh place - wandering spider

Another most poisonous creature in the world, which is feared without even knowing about its toxicity, is the wandering spider. He has quite aggressive disposition. In addition, it is terrifying because it is the largest of all spiders in the world.

It can be found in Central and South America in tropical areas, especially in banana plantations, but sometimes this creature gets into houses. It does not spin webs and travels on its own to find food, which is what makes it very dangerous. He can stop to rest in a residential building, hide in a car or clothes. As a result, the percentage of spider attacks is very high. This arthropod is not shy and is immediately ready to attack, so if you happen to encounter it, do not try to scare it, as it will not retreat; it is better for you to run.

The spider's venom causes lung spasms and loss of muscle control. The person may experience suffocation. Toxins also affect the lymphatic system and cardiac arrest can occur. The still living victim feels his body gradually becoming numb. The poison is 20 times more toxic than the black widow.

Interestingly, in the Guinness book this is the most poisonous creature in the world among spiders. It was also noted that more deaths occurred due to its fault than from other arthropods.

Eighth place - fugu

Of the vertebrates, this is the most poisonous creature in the world. Many people know it as ball fish. The entire surface of the fish is considered poisonous, and some organs of the fugu are also considered dangerous. A set of toxins causes paralysis and suffocation in the affected person, which in turn leads to death from insufficient oxygen. But despite this, in Korea and Japan this fish is a first-class delicacy. Given its dangerous composition, fugu can only be prepared by professionals who have received a special license.

Ninth place - cone snail

Some people, when they see this marbled snail, do not understand that it is a dangerous creature, since its appearance is very attractive. But you can’t judge by appearance, since she is just as dangerous as the rest of the representatives on this list. Just one drop of poison can kill 20 people. After the snail stings, the victim begins to experience excruciating pain, followed by numbness and inflammation of the bite site. The next stage is paralysis and suffocation. There is no cure for such poisoning.

But if you look at the statistics, only 30 deaths were recorded due to the fault of this snail.

Tenth place - stone fish

This unsightly creature ranks last in the ranking of “the most poisonous creature in the world.” A bite of this underwater inhabitant provokes the most acute pain, known to man. The sensations are so strong that in search of relief the victim is ready to commit suicide or amputation of the bitten area. Such pain causes shock, then paralysis inevitably occurs, and the tissues at the site of the lesion begin to die, without medical care the person is in danger of death.

This dangerous “beast” is found in the waters of the Red Sea and in the tropical regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Poison of any origin, chemical, food or natural, has always been a subject of interest from the media mass media, chemical safety and popular writers. Humanity knows hundreds of deadly poisons, many of which have been practically used as a means of murder, genocide and acts of terrorism. Some of them are presented in our review.

The well-known cyanide is a deadly poison that affects the central nervous system and the heart. Even a small dose, entering the blood, binds iron molecules and blocks the supply of oxygen to vital organs, resulting in death in a matter of minutes. Exist different shapes cyanide, such as hydrogen cyanide, which is considered the most poisonous. This gas kills a person in about 10 minutes. The gas was used during World War I as a chemical weapon and was banned by the Geneva Convention. Today, cyanide is used as a means of murder, suicide and in the plots of books.

This main character events of September 2011, when reports of people receiving anthrax spores in envelopes appeared in the news almost every day. As a result, five people died and 17 were injured from exposure to the poison, which caused panic among US citizens. This fear is understandable, since anthrax spores are easily transmitted through the air. After infection, the respiratory system becomes numb and the person begins to suffocate. Out of 10 people, 9 die within a week of infection.

Sarin is considered as a means massacres, which causes death by asphyxia after 60 seconds. A minute of terrible torment and the person dies. Since 1993, this substance has been banned from production, but despite this, in 1995 there was a massive terrorist attack on the subway in Japan, as well as in Iraq and Syria, resulting in the death of 330 to 1,800 people.

Amatoxin is a substance found in the world's deadliest mushrooms. When it enters the bloodstream, it affects the cells of the kidneys and liver, resulting in organ failure within a few days. Amatoxin also affects the heart. If a large dose of penicillin is not administered, the person may fall into a coma or die from heart and liver failure.

Strychnine has been used as a pesticide to kill pests, but it can also kill humans. It was discovered in Asia, contained in special varieties of trees, but it can also be obtained in the laboratory (the one who managed to do this received Nobel Prize). Strychnine can enter the body in different ways: injection, inhalation and absorption. After entering the body, muscle convulsions and spasms begin, leading to asphyxia. After the injection, the person dies within half an hour.

Back in school, everyone was warned to be careful with the thermometer. And this is not just like that, but because heavy metal called mercury. It is an incredibly toxic metal that enters the body either through inhalation or through skin contact. If mercury comes into contact with the skin, it causes itching, burning, and the skin may even peel off. Mercury can cause memory loss, vision loss, kidney failure and brain cell destruction. The result is death.

A notorious poison found in fugu fish, popular among sushi connoisseurs who are willing to pay a hefty price in the hope that the fish is cooked correctly. The first symptoms appear 30 minutes after consumption poisonous fish. At first, the person feels his mouth paralyzed and it becomes difficult to swallow. Soon there is a violation of coordination of movements and speech. Seizures and convulsions begin, as a result the person may fall into a coma and die. Death occurs in approximately 6 hours, but cases have been reported fatal outcome after 17 minutes. This poison is considered one of the deadliest on earth.

Ricin is another poison that has become popular, like anthrax, due to being sent through the mail. The actress who starred in the movie “Walking Dead” was convicted of just such a crime. Ricin has been found in castor bean seeds. Ricin is an incredibly deadly poison; it binds to proteins in the body, causing death. He was considered as chemical weapons US military and al-Qaeda members.

The most dangerous nerve gas on the planet, formerly a pesticide, has become an excellent target for militaries around the world, despite the ban on the use of weapons mass destruction. Gas has no other use except during war. The gas is so poisonous that one drop of it on the skin can kill a person. When inhaled, the first symptoms of poisoning are similar to the onset of the flu, then paralysis of the respiratory system occurs, which leads to death.

This is the deadliest poison on Earth. A cup of the toxin could kill hundreds of thousands of people by causing the disease botulism, a disease that affects the central nervous system. Surprisingly, this poison has an important practical use- from Botox injection procedures to migraine treatment. It is known that some patients have died after procedures using botulinum toxin. Of those affected by this poison, 50% die without receiving medical care, and those who survive suffer serious complications for many years. Due to its instability and easy availability in nature, botulinum toxin is the deadliest poison in the world. However, the cosmetic industry often uses

Let's start with the “king” of poisons – Arsenic. Until 1832, arsenic poisoning was extremely difficult to diagnose, since the symptoms of poisoning with this poison were similar to those of cholera. This similarity made it possible to mask the use of arsenic and its compounds as a deadly poison.

In acute arsenic poisoning, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and central depression are observed. nervous system.

Antidote: water solution sodium thiosulfate, dimercaprol.

Cyanide

Potassium cyanide, or potassium cyanide, is the most powerful inorganic poison. It looks like granulated sugar.

When it enters the body, the cells stop absorbing oxygen, resulting in the body dying from interstitial hypoxia. Potassium cyanide is absorbed very quickly and therefore death occurs within 15 minutes.

Sarin gas

Sarin gas is a poisonous substance with a nerve-paralytic effect.

The first signs of exposure to sarin include nasal discharge, chest congestion, and constriction of the pupils. Soon after this, the victim has difficulty breathing, nausea and increased salivation. The victim then completely loses control over bodily functions. This phase is accompanied by convulsions. Ultimately the victim falls into coma and suffocates in an attack of convulsive spasms followed by cardiac arrest.

Antidote: Atropine, Pralidoxime, Diazepam, Athens.

Diamphotoxin

Diamphotoxin is the most powerful poison of animal origin on our planet, contained in the blood of the larvae of the South African leaf beetle.

It is capable of reducing the hemoglobin content in the blood by 75% in a short period of time due to the massive destruction of red blood cells.

Antidote: There is no specific antidote.

Ricin

Ricin is the most powerful poison of plant origin, which is obtained from castor beans of the castor bean plant.

A few grains are enough to kill an adult. Ricin kills cells in the human body, preventing it from producing the proteins it needs, resulting in organ failure. A person can become poisoned by ricin through inhalation or ingestion.

If inhaled, symptoms of poisoning usually appear within 8 hours of exposure and include difficulty breathing, fever, cough, nausea, sweating and chest tightness.

If ingested, symptoms appear in less than 6 hours and include nausea, low blood pressure, hallucinations and seizures. Death can occur within 36-72 hours.

Antidote: There is no specific antidote.

There are many poisons in the world of different nature. Some of them act almost instantly, others can torment the victim of poisoning for years, slowly destroying him from the inside. True, the concept of poison has no clear boundaries. It all depends on concentration. And often the same substance can act both as a deadly poison and as one of the most necessary components for maintaining life. A striking example Vitamins are such a duality - even a slight excess of their concentration can completely destroy health or kill on the spot.

We already discussed this with you, but let’s find out here the top ten strong poisons …

Cyanides are called quite large group hydrocyanic acid salts. They are all, like the acid itself, extremely poisonous. In the last century, both hydrocyanic acid and cyanogen chloride were used as chemical warfare agents and were responsible for tens of thousands of deaths.

Potassium cyanide is also famous for its extreme toxicity. Just 200-300 mg of this white powder, which resembles granulated sugar in appearance, is enough to kill an adult in just a few seconds. Thanks to such a small dosage and incredibly quick death, this poison was chosen to kill Adolf Hitler, Joseph Goebbels, Hermann Goering and other Nazis.

They tried to poison Grigory Rasputin with this poison. True, the senders mixed cyanide into sweet wine and cakes, not knowing that sugar is one of the most powerful antidotes for this poison. So in the end they had to use the gun.

2. Bacillus anthrax

Anthrax is a very serious, rapidly developing disease caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. There are several forms of anthrax. The most “harmless” one is the skin one. Even without treatment, the mortality rate from this form does not exceed 20%. Intestinal form kills about half of the sick, but pulmonary form- This is almost certain death. Even with the help of the latest treatment methods, modern doctors manage to save no more than 5% of patients.

Sarin was created by German scientists trying to synthesize a powerful pesticide. But this deadly poison, which causes quick but very painful death, acquired its dark fame not in agricultural fields, but as a chemical weapon. Sarin was produced by the ton for military purposes for decades, and it was only in 1993 that its production was banned. But despite calls for the complete destruction of all stocks of this substance, both terrorists and the military still use it in our time.

4. Amatoxins

Amatoxins are a whole group of protein poisons contained in poisonous mushrooms of the amanita family, including the deadly toadstool. The particular danger of these poisons lies in their “slowness”. Once they enter the human body, they immediately begin their destructive activity, but the victim begins to feel the first discomfort no earlier than 10 hours later, and sometimes several days later, when it is already very difficult for doctors to do anything. Even if such a patient can be saved, he will still suffer for the rest of his life from painful dysfunctions of the liver, kidneys and lungs.

5. Strychnine

Strychnine is found in large quantities in nuts tropical tree chilibuha. It was from them that it was obtained in 1818 by the French chemists Pelletier and Cavantou. In small doses, strychnine can be used as a medicine that increases metabolic processes, improves heart function and treats paralysis. It was even actively used as an antidote for barbiturate poisoning.

However, it is one of the most powerful poisons. Its lethal dose is even less than that of the famous potassium cyanide, but it acts much slower. Death from strychnine poisoning occurs after about half an hour of terrible agony and severe convulsions.

Mercury is extremely dangerous in all its manifestations, but its vapors and soluble compounds cause especially great harm. Even small amounts of mercury entering the body cause severe damage to the nervous system, liver, kidneys and the entire gastrointestinal tract.

When small amounts of mercury enter the body, the process of poisoning occurs gradually, but inevitably, since this poison is not eliminated, but rather accumulates. In ancient times, mercury was widely used for the production of mirrors, as well as felt for hats. Chronic poisoning with mercury vapor, expressed in behavioral disorders up to complete insanity, was at that time called “the old hatter’s disease.”

7. Tetrodotoxin

This extremely strong poison is found in the liver, milk and caviar of the famous puffer fish, as well as in the skin and caviar of some species of tropical frogs, octopuses, crabs and in the caviar of the Californian newt. Europeans first became acquainted with the effects of this poison in 1774, when the crew on James Cook's ship ate an unknown tropical fish, and the slops from dinner were given to the ship's pigs. By morning, all the people were seriously ill, and the pigs died.

Tetrodotoxin poisoning is very serious, and even today doctors manage to save less than half of all those poisoned.

It is interesting to note that the famous Japanese delicacy fugu fish is prepared from fish in which the content of the most dangerous toxin exceeds lethal doses for humans. Lovers of this treat literally entrust their lives to the art of the cook. But no matter how hard the chefs try, accidents cannot be avoided, and every year several gourmets die after feasting on a delicious dish.

Ricin is an extremely powerful poison of plant origin. The greatest danger is inhaling its smallest grains. Ricin is about 6 times more powerful a poison than potassium cyanide, but it has not been used as a weapon of mass destruction due to purely technical difficulties. But various intelligence services and terrorists are very fond of this substance. Politicians and public figures with enviable regularity they receive letters stuffed with ricin. True, the case quite rarely ends in death, since the penetration of ricin through the lungs is quite low in efficiency. For a 100% result, ricin must be injected directly into the blood.

9. Vi-Ex (VX)

VX, or, as it is also called, VI gas, belongs to the category of chemical warfare gases that have a nerve-paralytic effect. It was also born as a new pesticide, but soon the military began to use it for their own purposes. Symptoms of poisoning with this gas appear within 1 minute after inhalation or contact with the skin, and death occurs within 10-15 minutes.

10. Botulism toxin

Botulinum toxin is produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which are the causative agents of the most dangerous disease - botulism. This is the most powerful poison of organic nature and one of the strongest poisons in the world. In the last century, botulinum toxin was part of the arsenals of chemical weapons, but at the same time, active research was conducted regarding its use in medicine. And today great amount people who want to at least temporarily restore the smoothness of their skin experience the influence of this terrible poison, which is part of the popular drug Botox, which once again confirms the validity of the famous saying of the great Paracelsus: “Everything is poison, everything is medicine; both are determined by the dose.”

There are many toxic substances. Some of them affect the human body for a long time, others kill instantly. There are many fast-acting poisons, they can be natural and chemical.

Such compounds deprive their victim of the opportunity to survive almost immediately. What is the fastest-acting poison for humans, the most famous and dangerous?

Top strong poisons in everyday life

IN living conditions people are constantly exposed to poisons. Many of them have a quick effect on the body, so it is recommended to know their effect and how to provide first aid to an injured person.

Acids

anthrax

Serious disease is caused by specific bacteria. There are several forms of the disease, the simplest is skin lesions. The most dangerous form of the disease is considered to be pulmonary; even with timely assistance, only five percent of victims survive.

Sarin

A poisonous substance in the form of a gas. It was created to kill insects, but found its application in the military sphere. The compound kills quickly, but death is painful. Production is prohibited throughout the world, and its reserves are often used for military purposes or by terrorists.

Amatoxins

Such poisons have a protein structure and are found in dangerous mushrooms Amanitaceae family. The danger lies in the fact that the first signs appear ten hours after the toxin enters the body, during which time the possibility of saving a person approaches zero. Even with good luck rescue, the victim remains disabled for life and suffers from problems with internal organs.

Strychnine

Obtained from nuts tropical plant. It is used in minimal quantities as a medicine. Strychnine is one of the most fast-acting poisons, superior to potassium cyanide. But death does not occur immediately, but half an hour after poisoning.

Ricin

Ricin is a poison of plant origin. Six times stronger than potassium cyanide. It is especially dangerous if it gets into the blood; in such a case, death occurs very quickly. Inhalation through the lungs is less dangerous, but also leads to serious poisoning.

VX

The compound is poison combat action, has a nerve-paralytic effect. Changes in the body occur a minute after inhalation, and death occurs after fifteen minutes. Dangerous poison is prohibited for use in the world.

Botulinum toxin

Botulism is poisoning caused by botulinum toxins. This is the most powerful poison in nature; it was previously used as biological weapons. Bacteria are used in cosmetology, but in minimal dosages. As the amount of toxin increases, death occurs from respiratory failure.

Top strong poisons in the pharmacy

Medicines pose a danger to humans if used incorrectly. They are also poisons and in overdose lead to poisoning

A fatal outcome cannot be ruled out if the permissible amount of the drug is exceeded many times. Many medications are freely available in pharmacies.

Dangerous:

• Medicines aimed at treating the cardiovascular system.
• Neuroleptics and tranquilizers.
• Painkillers.
• Antibiotics and antibacterial agents.

Weight loss drugs, drugs aimed at treating impotence, even eye drops can be dangerous to human health. You need to remember that in a minimal amount the medicine will help, but in a higher dosage it will lead to poisoning and death.

Dangerous poisons for animals

Animals suffer from poisoning no less often than people. What poisons are dangerous for dogs and cats?

Danger:

1. Human medicines. Even small amounts of some drugs can cause serious poisoning or death. Example - a medicine for the treatment of tuberculosis - used by dog ​​hunters.
2. Products for getting rid of fleas and ticks. Animals die from an overdose of such drugs.
3. Food. You should not give your pets food from the table; simple grapes lead to renal failure, xylitol provokes a sharp drop in sugar levels and disruption of liver function.
4. Rat poison. Rat poison often causes death in domestic animals. Rodent bait has nice smell, therefore attracts other animals. Without help, the pet dies very quickly.
5. Medicines for animals. Medicines, intended for treatment, in the wrong dosage can cause death.
6. House plants. Cats and dogs love to bite some plants; many of them contain poisonous sap that is hazardous to health.
7. Chemicals, household chemicals. Located in accessible places Such products often attract the attention of animals. Poisoning develops quickly, as does death.
8. Fertilizers and pesticides. Such compounds are suitable for plants, but dangerous for animals.

Thus, there are no less dangers and poisons for animals than for humans. It is recommended to carefully monitor the animal’s behavior in order to provide first aid in a timely manner.

Irritation, a feeling of sand in the eyes, redness are just minor inconveniences with impaired vision. Scientists have proven that decreased vision in 92% of cases ends in blindness.

Crystal Eyes is the best remedy for restoring vision at any age.

Precautionary measures

It is possible to avoid serious intoxication by following safety precautions. When working with poisons, you must wear special protective clothing and gloves. It is recommended to use safety glasses and respirators.

Under no circumstances should you eat food or touch your face or open areas skin. After completing all manipulations, wash your hands thoroughly, take a shower if necessary, and put your clothes in the wash.

Before using unknown compounds, you must read the instructions and follow them carefully. Eating unknown foods is not recommended.

What to do if you are poisoned

If poisoning occurs, you must call a doctor immediately. Before his arrival, the victim is provided with possible first aid.

Actions:

• rinse the stomach, if allowed;
• give to a person;
• use laxatives or cleansing enemas;
• administer antidotes whenever possible;
• provide fresh air, peace;
• quickly transported to a medical facility.

Fast-acting poisons are present near a person, but if safety precautions are followed, poisoning can be avoided. If signs of intoxication appear, first aid is quickly provided and doctors are called.

Video: quick poisons for humans