The most famous poisonings in history – what caused them?
Polonium tea – the most famous poison in recent history
The most famous victim of poisoners in recent years, former FSB Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Litvinenko, seems to have been poisoned with polonium, just as Yassir Arafat.
All three weeks after the poisoning in November 2006, doctors blamed thallium, and only three hours before his death from acute heart failure, the urine analysis showed traces of polonium-210. This radioactive element in small doses causes malignancies, while in large doses it disrupts the activity of the bone marrow, digestive system, and other vital organs.
The British police had many versions of suspects. Polonium could have entered Litvinenko’s system along with poisoned tea.
