[On heavy-metal poisoning, especially by thallium (author's transl)].

Only thallium poisoning is still of clinical significance among heavy-metal intoxications. Among 1800 cases of poisoning there were 15 caused by thallium, 3 by lead and 1 by iron (none by arsenic or mercury). Among thallium poisonings, 13 were due to suicide, one ending fatally, and two of homicide. Thallium can be demonstrated in urine even after haemodialysis and forced diuresis. As more and more rat poisons contain coumarine derivatives instead of thallium, the number of cases of thallium poisoning is likely to decrease.