Substances or wastes which, if they are H11: Toxic (delayed inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the Primary hazard or chronic) skin, may involve delayed or chronic effects, including carcinogenicity. Substances or wastes which if released present or may present immediate or Why is it Secondary H12: Ecotoxic delayed adverse impacts to the environment hazardous? hazard by means of bioaccumulation and/or toxic effects upon biotic systems. Other hazard(s) N/A N/A Thallium is likely to be a contaminant of Main likely chemical contaminants other metals. Australia does not mine thallium directly however it is produced as a Where does it by-product of ore smelting. Small amounts of thallium waste are likely Main sources come from? to be present in electronics and commercial medical imaging equipment2. No data is kept on the generation or fate of thallium waste. Waste How is it Main fates should be treated to immobilise the hazard before being disposed of managed? in hazardous waste landfill. Volume score <1% 1 5% 5 10% 10 20% 20% – – – ≥ (% of national tonnes in 2013) 0% How much is generated in TOTAL: 0 ACT: 0 NSW: 0 Australia? Waste arising in NT: 0 Qld: 0 SA: 0 2013 (tonnes) Tas: 0 Vic: 0 WA: 0 The most common route of thallium exposure occurs through inhalation or ingestion of dust particles or through water and food contamination. In its pure form, thallium is tasteless and odourless. Short and long-term exposure can result in a variety of adverse Overview health effects, mainly involving the central nervous system, system and major organs. Thallium is more toxic to humans than mercury, cadmium, lead, copper or zinc and has been Potential health responsible for many accidental and occupational poisonings4. impacts High: Very harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Ingesting thallium over a Acute toxicity can result in issues with the gastro-intestinal system, nervous system, lungs, heart, liver and kidneys1. It can also cause death5. High: Long-term exposure to thallium can result in issues with the Chronic toxicity nervous system, such as numbness of extremities, joint pain and fatigue.
Why is it hazardous? Primary hazard H11: Toxic (delayed or chronic) Substances or wastes which, if they are inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the skin, may involve delayed or chronic effects, including carcinogenicity. Secondary hazard H12: Ecotoxic Substances or wastes which if released present or may present immediate or delayed adverse impacts to the environment by means of bioaccumulation and/or toxic effects upon biotic systems. Other hazard(s) N/A N/A Main likely chemical contaminants Thallium is likely to be a contaminant of other metals. Where does it come from? Main sources Australia does not mine thallium directly however it is produced as a by-product of ore smelting. Small amounts of thallium waste are likely to be present in electronics and commercial medical imaging equipment2. How is it managed? Main fates No data is kept on the generation or fate of thallium waste. Waste should be treated to immobilise the hazard before being disposed of in hazardous waste landfill. How much is generated in Australia? Volume score (% of national tonnes in 2013) <1% 1 – 5% 5 – 10% 10 – 20% ≥ 20% 0% Waste arising in 2013 (tonnes) TOTAL: 0 ACT: 0 NSW: 0 NT: 0 Qld: 0 SA: 0 Tas: 0 Vic: 0 WA: 0 Potential health impacts Overview The most common route of thallium exposure occurs through inhalation or ingestion of dust particles or through water and food contamination. In its pure form, thallium is tasteless and odourless. Short and long-term exposure can result in a variety of adverse health effects, mainly involving the central nervous system, system and major organs. Thallium is more toxic to humans than mercury, cadmium, lead, copper or zinc and has been responsible for many accidental and occupational poisonings4. Acute toxicity High: Very harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Ingesting thallium over a can result in issues with the gastro-intestinal system, nervous system, lungs, heart, liver and kidneys1. It can also cause death5. Chronic toxicity High: Long-term exposure to thallium can result in issues with the nervous system, such as numbness of extremities, joint pain and fatigue.
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