Top 1 World's Deadliest Poisons

Here's a list for top ten world's deadliest poisons.

10. Sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080)

Sodium fluoroacetate (also known as sodium monofluoroacetate, compound 1080 or 1080) is a potent metabolic poison that occurs naturally as an anti-herbivore metabolite in various plants. It works by interfering with the citric acid cycle, and is used primarily to control mammalian pests, including invasive species. The existence of this chemical was first noted in the Second World War.

Sodium fluoroacetate is used as a rodenticide. Farmers and graziers use the poison to protect pastures and crops from various herbivorous mammals. It is used in New Zealand to control the Common Brushtail Possum , while in the United States it is used to kill coyotes. Other countries using 1080 include Australia, Mexico and Israel. Western Shield is a recent project to boost populations of endangered mammals in south-west Australia. The project is to drop Sodium fluoroacetate baited meat from helicopters or light aircraft to kill predators. Wild dogs and foxes will readily eat the baited meat. Cats pose a greater difficulty as cats aren’t interested in already dead animals. Recently a pilot tried putting small sound generators inside the baits with significant positive results. However, an Australian RSPCA commissioned study criticized 1080 calling it an inhumane killer.

9. Amatoxin

Amatoxins are a subgroup of at least eight toxic compounds found in several genera of poisonous mushrooms, most notably Amanita phalloides and several other members of the genus Amanita, as well as some Conocybe, Galerina and Lepiota mushroom species.

The compounds have a similar structure, that of eight amino-acid rings; they were isolated in 1941 by Heinrich O. Wieland and Rudolf Hallermayer of the University of Munich. Of the amatoxins, α-amanitin is the chief component and along with β-amanitin is likely responsible for the toxic effects. Their major toxic mechanism is the inhibition of RNA polymerase II, a vital enzyme in the synthesis of messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA, and small nuclear RNA (snRNA). Without mRNA, essential protein synthesis, and hence cell metabolism, grind to a halt and the cell dies. The liver is the principal organ affected, as it is the organ which is first encountered after absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, though other organs, especially the kidneys, are susceptible. The RNA polymerase of Amanita phalloides is insensitive to the effects of amatoxins; as such, the mushroom does not poison itself.

Their swift intestinal absorption coupled with their thermostability explains why their toxic effects occur in a relatively short period of time. The most severe effects are toxic hepatitis with centrolobular necrosis and hepatic steatosis, as well as acute tubulointerstitial nephropathy, which altogether induce a severe hepatorenal syndrome (with a potentially fatal outcome). The estimated minimum lethal dose is 0.1 mg/kg or 7 mg of toxin in adults.

8. Strychnine

Strychnine is a very toxic (LD50 = 10 mg approx.), colorless crystalline alkaloid used as a pesticide, particularly for killing small vertebrates such as birds and rodents. Strychnine causes muscular convulsions and eventually death through asphyxia or sheer exhaustion. The most common source is from the seeds of the Strychnos nux vomica tree. Strychnine is one of the most bitter substances known. Its taste is detectable in concentrations as low as 1 ppm.

Strychnine acts as a blocker or antagonist at the inhibitory or strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor (GlyR), a ligand-gated chloride channel in the spinal cord and the brain.

Although it is best known as a poison, small doses of strychnine were once used in medications as a stimulant, a laxative and as a treatment for other stomach ailments. A 1934 drug guide for nurses described it as "among the most valuable and widely prescribed drugs". Strychnine's stimulant effects also led to its use historically for enhancing performance in sports. Because of its high toxicity and tendency to cause convulsions, the use of strychnine in medicine was eventually abandoned once safer alternatives became available.

The dosage for medical use was cited as between "1/60th grain–1/10th grain", which is between 1.1 milligrams and 6.4 milligrams in modern measures. Normally the maximum dosage used was 3.2 mg, half of a "full dose". A lethal dose was cited as 1/2 a grain (32 mg), but people have been known to die from as little as 5 mg of strychnine.

7. Mercury

Mercury , also called quicksilver or hydrargyrum, is a chemical element with the symbol Hg (Latinized Greek: hydrargyrum, meaning watery or liquid silver) and atomic number 80. A heavy, silvery d-block metal, mercury is one of five metals that are liquid at or near room temperature and pressure. The others are the metals caesium, francium, gallium, and rubidium, as well as the non-metalbromine. Of these, only mercury and bromine are liquids at standard conditions for temperature and pressure.

Mercury is used in thermometers, barometers, manometers, sphygmomanometers, float valves, and other scientific apparatus, though concerns about the element's toxicity have led to mercury thermometers and sphygmomanometers being largely phased out in clinical environments in favour of alcohol-filled, digital, or thermistor-based instruments. It remains in use in a number of other ways in scientific and scientific research applications, and in amalgam material for dental restoration. Mercury is mostly obtained by reduction from the mineral cinnabar.

Mercury occurs in deposits throughout the world and it is harmless in an insoluble form, such as mercuric sulfide, but it is poisonous in soluble forms such as mercuric chloride or methylmercury.

6. Cyanide

A cyanide is any chemical compound that contains the cyano group (C≡N), which consists of a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom. In salts and solution cyanide is generally the anion CN-. Many organic compounds feature cyanide as a functional group. These are called nitriles in IUPAC nomenclature (for example, CH3CN is referred to by the names acetonitrile or ethanenitrile per IUPAC, but occasionally it is labeled using the common name methyl cyanide). The Cyanide molecule, CN, also known as the Cyano radical, is commonly produced in reactions and has been identified in interstellar space . Of the many kinds of cyanide compounds, some are gases, others are solids or liquids. Those that can release the cyanide ion CN- are highly toxic.

5. Tetrodotoxin

Tetrodotoxin (anhydrotetrodotoxin 4-epitetrodotoxin, tetrodonic acid, TTX) is a potent neurotoxin with no known antidote, which blocks action potentials in nerves by binding to the pores of the voltage-gated, fast sodium channels in nerve cell membranes. The binding site of this toxin is located at the pore opening of the voltage-gated Na+ channel. Its name derives from Tetraodontiformes, the name of the order that includes the pufferfish, porcupinefish, ocean sunfish or mola, and triggerfish, several species of which carry the toxin. Although tetrodotoxin was discovered in these fish and found in several other animals (e.g., Blue-ringed Octopus, Rough-skinned newt), it is actually the product of certain bacteria such as Pseudoalteromonas tetraodonis, certain species of Pseudomonas and Vibrio, as well as some others.

Its mechanism was discovered in the early 1960s by Toshio Narahashi working at Duke University.

4. Sarin

Sarin, also known by its NATO designation of GB, is an extremely toxic substance whose sole application is as a nerve agent. As a chemical weapon, it is classified as a weapon of mass destruction by the United Nations in UN Resolution 687. Production and stockpiling of sarin was outlawed by the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993.

3. Anthrax

Anthrax toxin refers to three proteins secreted by virulent strains of the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. These three proteins act together in a synergistic way in which they are endocytosed and translocated into the cytoplasm of a macrophage, where it disrupts cellular signaling and induces cell death, allowing the bacteria to evade the immune system.

The disease known as anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a spore-forming bacterium whose pathogenesis is primarily the result of a tripartite toxin. This toxin is composed of three proteins: the protective antigen (PA), the edema factor (EF) and the lethal factor (LF). These proteins work together to enter a cell and disrupt the signaling pathways, eventually leading to apoptosis. The molecular actions of PA, EF, and LF also provide a model biochemical system that demonstrates a variety of structure-function relationships seen in biochemistry.

2. Ricin

Ricin is a protein toxin that is extracted from the castor bean (Ricinus communis).

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) gives a possible minimum figure of 500 micrograms (about the size of a grain of salt) for the lethal dose of ricin in humans if exposure is from injection or inhalation.

1. Botulinum

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is one of the most poisonous naturally occurring substances, and it is the most toxic protein. Though it is highly toxic, it is used in minute doses both to treat painful muscle spasms, and as a cosmetic treatment in some parts of the world. It is sold commercially under the brand names Botox, Dysport, and Myobloc for this purpose. The terms Botox, Dysport, and Myobloc are trade names and are not used generically to describe the neurotoxins produced by C. botulinum.

credited to wikipedia

Barack Obama - Top 1 Myths

Myth #10 Barack Obama Wants To Raise Your Taxes

This is McCain's main attack against Barack Obama's (and the all Democrats for that matter) economic plans. McCain claims Obama wants to raise your taxes. While this is not entirely false, it definitely is not true. Both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have pledged not to raise taxes on anyone making under $250,000.00 a year. They do however want to end the Bush Tax Cuts, something John McCain agreed with the last 7 years. McCain voted against the Bush Tax Cuts twice and has been a strong opponent to them over the years, that is until he started running for President in 2007. McCain in the past has even said:

"I cannot in good conscience support a tax cut in which so many of the benefits go to the most fortunate among us at the expense of middle-class Americans who need tax relief."--John McCain, May 2001

When asked to pledge no new taxes McCain has refused, perhaps remembering the "Read My Lips, No New Taxes" quote that greatly assisted Bill Clinton into the White House, but also raising questions in my mind how fiscally conservative John McCain is considering George W. Bush was also classified as a fiscal conservative before he was elected and he turned out to be a very big spender. Considering the last example we have of the Democratic platform regarding the economy was Bill Clinton's years, and he left office with a surplus. Considering taxes were not raised in 1992 the way McCain suggests they will be, leaves me very confident the Democrats will assist the middle and lower classes and finally tax the wealthy a fair percentage.

MYTH #9 "But we would risk the confused leadership of an inexperienced candidate who once suggested bombing our ally, Pakistan" John McCain, February 19, 2008

McCain has come out attacking Obama for his statement about taking out Osama Bin Laden and other top level Al Qaeda terrorists. Apparently its fine with McCain to stay in Iraq for 100+ years and fine to nonchalantly bomb Iran, but it is naive of Obama to actually take out Bin Laden? This strike that Obama talks about by the way was asked to George W. Bush before by CNN's Wolf Blitzer to which Bush immediately replied pretty much the same answer as Obama's statement. Hard to say if this means the derailed Straight talk express changes direction again (waterboarding, Bush tax cuts, abortion, etc). McCain needs to be careful not to make the same mistakes Hillary made. Just because Obama is the younger candidate does not mean he in naive. Obama's "naiveness" would have kept us out of Iraq in the first place, and very possibly his "naiveness" would have had our ground forces in the right locations to capture/kill the true enemy, Bin Laden.

For the full answer to McCain's attack see: BarackObama.com they explain it in much further detail and have many other great resources as I'm sure this is only the beginning as McCain now will attack Obama daily as McCain has all but guaranteed to Republican nomination.

MYTH #8 Obama is the weaker candidate to face John McCain in November

In the last two weeks polls have now shown Obama has a much better chance than Hillary Clinton coming up against John McCain. The last poll I saw shows Obama beating McCain by six points. That same poll shows Hillary and McCain virtually tied.

Another thing to look at, McCain will defeat Hillary when it comes to the independent vote. McCain is popular amongst independents, Hillary is not. Hillary Clinton will also unite the fractured Republican Party who is not happy at all about McCain being their nominee. As one Obama supporter put it best "Nothing unites the Republicans more than a Clinton."

MYTH #7 Obama Is Hiding Taking PAC Money In His Donations

Yes another crazy attack on Obama has surfaced. This time it is said that this inexperienced candidate is actually taking lobbyist money, just doing it so smart no one can detect it. Basically it is the Clinton camp distorting facts. Yes Obama has taken PAC money in the past, pretty much its always been a normal thing in Washington, that is until Barack Obama and John Edwards stepped up. Here is the blog with the full picture and great sources. Obama and Hillary sit at opposite sides of the table when it comes to campaign financing and campaign finance reform.

I have found a second source which explains this very well also. This blog shows a nice full picture of PAC money, lobbyist money and the big 3 Democrats Obama, Hillary and Edwards.

MYTH #6 Obama Was Sworn Into Office With The Quran

That didn't take long at all. Not 12 hours after this is published a new ugly myth out being spread on the web. I double checked with Politifact just to be sure but Barack Obama was sworn in with a Bible as I expected since Obama is a Christian.

MYTH #5 Obama is a Muslim

Yes this hub would be funny if so many American's weren't so gullible. I am in fact getting somewhat demoralized by how easy it is to sway the masses as of late. When I need to refuel though I listen to Obama's Iowa Speech which was a masterpiece. I have included the video below.

No of course Barack Obama is not a muslim. I see many attackers using his full name Barack Hussein Obama to try and bring these allegations more truth. This is flat out racism for people to try to and do what they do and it is getting pretty ugly out there. The full allegation and answer is quite lengthly so I will try to abbreviate. Barack's father was born in Kenya and was raised as a muslim. When Barack's father grew up he became an atheist or agnostic. Obama attended Catholic & Muslim (in Indonesia) schooling for 4 to 5 years before being sent to live in America with his grandmother. He was sent to these schools not for religion but because his mother wanted him to attend the best schools around for educational purposes. Barack Obama is a Christian and has never had anything to do with Muslim Religions. Just another desperate attempt to keep this inspirational leader out of the White House.

I hate to say it but I am beginning to think America is home to much more closet racism than I thought before. The good news is that our youth definitely is not judging Obama by the color of his skin as the youth will be and is the future of this great country.

PS- I will update as more myths appear as I'm sure this is just the tip of the iceberg.

MYTH #4 Obama is Unpatriotic and Refuses to Put His Hand Over His Heart During the Pledge of Allegiance

An anonymous e-mail has been sent out to countless people stating exactly that. Ridiculous as it may be, some people actually believe it. This is exactly what happened blow by blow and shows you the infamous photo of "Barack Dissing The Flag". I am amazed this has gotten as much attention on the net as it has, it just shows how desperate someone is getting (either Hillary or the Republicans). The event ocurred at Senator Tom Harkin's steak fry in Iowa and the attackers take everything out of context. Obama, Richardson, & Hillary are all facing away from the flag as the national anthem is being played. If this were a miltary funeral then all 3 were in violation of code. This being a steak fry means that no one has broken flag code. Its a good photo for the myth but in reality Obama is a stout patriot and always puts his hand over his heart when he says the pledge of allegiance. Nice try to the anonymous attacker who instigated the myth. The fact that he/she remains anonymous should in itself prove its not true.

MYTH# 3 Obama's Fairy Tail-- He & Hillary Have the Same Record on the Iraq War

As Hillary was crying in New Hampshire nearly half a state away she dispatched her husband for a nicely timed false attack. His Fairy Tale Attack was timed to cause some doubt for the voters and they hoped not give the Obama camp enough time to reply in time. I don't believe the Fairty Tale Attack worked as the exit poll #'s still showed Obama with a 3 to 1 advantage with college students however it is important to show what Slick Willy did here as it might come up again.

Bill took a statement Obama made in 2004, edited it, and spouted it back out the the crowd to make it speak the way Willy wanted it to. Jessica Yellin gave the official answer, but if your stubborn antagonist won't check your link (because they know its not true of course) explain to them: 1. When Obama made the comments Bill is referring to he was speaking of what to do with the troops already in Iraq, not whether he initally supported the war or not. 2. Obama made these comments at the time of the Democratic National Convention in 2004 and thought it would be out of line to contradict the Democratic Nominee at the time.

It almost seemed like a plan to me. While Hillary's sobbing Willy is on the rampage using all his experience to paint a bad portrait of Obama for voters to see. I think there's much more to what happened in New Hampshire than just this however this coincidence of events definitely helped the Clinton's in New Hamshire.

MYTH #2 Obama is a Separatist due to his South Side Chicago Christian Church He Belongs To

Yes I too was shocked on this one. Calling Obama a Separatist is like calling Hitler a Humanitarian. Yet this is another aspect that has been brought at me as I spread the Obama word one computer screen at a time. Yes Barack Obama belongs to the Trinity United Church of Christ on the South Side of Chicago. This is a predominantly (but not exclusively) black church who is very proud of their race and heritage. They are not racist, they are not a separatist group, these are all lies and misconceptions. The south side of Chicago is heavily black and extremely poor. This church is about bringing people together to rise up out of their situations. They are proud to be black and I don't find that to be racist at all. They don't exclude any race from their church which is what people will lead you to believe.

MYTH #1 Obama Has No Experience & Will Be "Learning On The Job"

Contrary to Hillary's belief, when Obama wins the election and moves into the White House he won't be thrown into a control room and just start hitting buttons to run the country ala Homer Simpson style. Obama will have an excellent staff of advisers. He has stated on multiple occaisions he will take advice from all his constituents. I even expect some Republicans on his staff (Colin Powell?), and even people from Bill's old staff. Yes Obama has only been in Congress for a few years, but that doesn't mean he can't make a good decision (wasn't he the only one right about the Iraq War?). His group of advisors will give him all the options and Obama will make the right choice. He owes no political favors to big corporations, big business, lobbyists like one candidate I know of who has a penchance for choking up just at the right moment. How many more favors does she owe after New Hampshire? We may never know, but if Hillary is in the Oval Office someone will be calling to collect. And I highly doubt it'll be the backbone of America, the middle class on the phone.

Another point, if we look at how well Obama has run this campaign, a campaign that had no chance six months ago going up against the Clinton Machine. This excellent campaign by itself is a superb example of what a great leader he is and is a nice prequel to how well he can organize and motivate the nation if he is elected President.

credited to link