thallium poisoning

Occupational thallium poisoning is a systemic disease with predominant neurological damage caused by inhalation of thallium-containing dust, fumes, or soluble thallium salts during occupational activities, absorbed through the respiratory tract, skin, and digestive tract. Thallium poisoning is divided into acute and chronic poisoning. The typical triad of acute thallium poisoning includes gastroenteritis, polyneuropathy, and hair loss. The main clinical features of chronic thallium poisoning are peripheral neuropathy, optic neuropathy, retinopathy, and hair loss. A few cases may develop toxic encephalopathy or toxic psychosis.