Ethyline Glycol (A.K.A. Antifreeze)

Antifreeze is a sweeting, but deadly lethal substance. Once used (illegally) for increasing the sweetness of Australian wines. It is technically an alcohol, but while it initially mimics the effects of a glass or two of wine, it quickly turns to something much more serious.

Name: Ethyline Glycol

Formula: C2H6O2

Effect on Victim: Ethylene glycol becomes poisonous when in the body as it is metabolised into several different chemicals. This is caused by the same enzyme that metabolises the alcohol in common alcoholic drinks. The main product is oxalic acid which is poisonous. Also found in rhubarb leaves, oxalic acid causes the pH in the blood to drop (meaning the blood becomes more acidic), inhibiting normal metabolic processes. As if this wasn't bad enough the oxalic acid can also crystallise on the brain and kidneys, resulting in damage. On top of all this oxalic acid reduces calcium, removing it from the body. This produces effects similar to that of tetanus, causing muscles to contract uncontrollably.

Lethal Dose: Has a comparatively high lethal dose compared to other substances we've looked at. of about 100 ml

Diagnosis: Ethylene glycol is a poor choice for a poison as it is relatively easy to spot and takes a comparatively long time to kill. Ideally an analysis of the concentrations of oxalic acid in the blood by gas chromatography would diagnose antifreeze poisoning, however the equipment to perform this is expensive and rare. A much simpler but less accurate diagnosis is analysis of urine, as this will reveal oxalate crystals when ethyl glycol is at deadly levels. Another common test is to take advantage of the fact that fluorescein is often added to antifreeze to help detect radiator leaks. A Wood's Lamp will reveal fluorescence in the patients mouth.

That's it for this rather un-subtle poison. Hopefully now you can see why it's coloured brighter than a poisonous insect. Unfortunately the bright colours and sweet taste mean children are particularly at risk of drinking it. Anyway thanks for reading, see you soon!