2006-08-18 11:53:01 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
tetanus
http://chemistry.about.com/cs/5/f/blpoison.htm
2006-08-18 12:00:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Plutonium, and the other trans-uranium elements, are the most toxic substances known. I know you meant something that kills by chemical rather than radioactive means, and there are several poisons that compete in different ways for that title.
Plutonium is nevertheless a supremely potent poison, killing by radiation. A small portion of it, vaporized, could contaminate huge areas and render them uninhabitable. That's why there are such protests when nuclear-powered satellites are sent up... people are terrified of the consequences of the plutonium scattering if the rocket should blow up.
2006-08-18 21:16:00 · answer #2 · answered by KALEL 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In terms of man-made inorganic chemicals, my guess would be zinc uranyl acetate. It's lethal at around a 2 or 3 milligram dose and it kills by screwing up your kidneys (kind of a painful way to die)
In terms of naturally occurring chemicals, cyanide wins hands down at around 3 or 4 ppm.
In terms of man-made organics, probably VX or one of the other 'nerve agents' at under 1 ppm.
But things like plutonium are lethal down in the microgram level.
Bacteria and virii can certainly kill, but I'm not sure if they should count as a 'poison' in the usual sense.
Doug
2006-08-18 21:47:46 · answer #3 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That would depend on the concentration levels, but Chlorine can kill with only a few parts per million. Next best answer is the one that kills you! You could also try the MSDS (material safety data sheet) on-line site to look up the specifics on any chemical or compound. Companies are required to keep msds sheets available for their employees for all hazardous substances they have.
2006-08-18 19:45:04 · answer #4 · answered by Jeffrey B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is difficult to define the most poisonous chemical known. Botulin toxin however is probably the most well studied of the most leathal chemicals. Of man made chemicals VX agent is probably the most deadly.
2006-08-18 19:03:47 · answer #5 · answered by professional student 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. tetanus
2. botulinal neurotoxin (bacteria)
3. shigella (bacteria)
4. palytoxin (coral)
5. diphtheria (bacteria)
2006-08-18 19:22:00 · answer #6 · answered by angel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sarin nerve gas and ricin are extremely deadly.
2006-08-19 00:55:50 · answer #7 · answered by Professor Armitage 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
plutonium or botulinum toxin
2006-08-18 22:40:25 · answer #8 · answered by Tony T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋