Thallium sulfate
Thallium sulfate is a highly toxic thallium salt of sulfuric acid, with the formula Tl2SO4. The substance appears as odorless, colorless or white crystals, which are freely to moderately soluble in water.
Applications
In spite of the high toxicity was thallium sulfate for several centuries used for all sorts of medical applications. This was after the toxicological hazard had become known, stopped. In the course of the 20th century found its application as a rat poison.
Nowadays, it is a laboratory substance, which is used as a source of Tl + ions. It is used amongst others for the production of thallium sulfide, which is a very good conductor, when it is exposed to infra-red.
Toxicology and safety
The substance decomposes on heating producing highly toxic fumes including thallium and sulfur oxides.
The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. They may have effects on the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Exposure can cause hair loss.
Prolonged or repeated exposure above the threshold of 0.1 mg / m³ can cause death.