Thallium (Noun)
Meaning
A soft grey malleable metallic element that resembles tin but discolors on exposure to air; it is highly toxic and is used in rodent and insect poisons; occurs in zinc blende and some iron ores.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Thallium is a highly toxic metal that can be fatal if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.
- The mining company took great care to handle the thallium-containing ore, as it posed a significant risk to the health of its employees.
- Due to its toxicity, thallium is closely regulated by environmental agencies and its use is heavily restricted.
- The EPA has identified thallium as a hazardous substance that can contaminate soil, water, and air if not handled properly.
- In the past, thallium was used as a rodenticide, but its use has largely been phased out due to its extreme toxicity and the potential for accidental poisoning.