Cyanide poisoning
Cyanide poisoning is a severe and potentially fatal condition resulting from exposure to cyanide, a highly toxic substance found in various products, including certain foods, industrial materials, and as a chemical weapon. Rapid absorption of cyanide through inhalation or ingestion can lead to near-instantaneous death, making immediate medical intervention critical. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning may include dizziness, nausea, rapid breathing, and in severe cases, convulsions and loss of consciousness. Historical uses of cyanide include its application in chemical warfare during World War I and its notorious use in the genocide during World War II. Natural sources of cyanide can be found in plants, such as cassava and certain fruit seeds, while industrial processes may also result in unintentional exposure. Treatment often involves administering specific antidotes and ensuring the victim is removed from the source of exposure. Understanding cyanide's properties and the risks associated with it is essential for prevention and effective response to poisoning incidents.
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Cyanide poisoning
Cyanide is a highly toxic substance that can be fatal. When someone consumes or inhales a large dose of cyanide, death can be almost instantaneous. Immediate administering of an antidote may be effective. Cyanide is available not only as a deadly chemical, but it can be found in a wide range of products. These include certain foods, salts, and industrially produced synthetic materials. Cyanide has been used historically as a form of chemical warfare. Although cyanide is highly toxic, as a chemical weapon there are other gases that are considered to be more toxic. When cyanide poisoning occurs, the amount of cyanide that has been imbibed as well as the nature of the exposure may determine the signs and symptoms present. This will, likewise, affect the ability to administer a life-saving antidote.
Background
History. Cyanide was identified by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1782. Scheele was a Swedish chemist, who met his death while experimenting with cyanide in his laboratory. Although formal identification of cyanide occurred in the eighteenth century, the notion of using poisonous and toxic substances as a means of inducing death was common as early as the ancient Roman period.
Military Usage. During World War I, cyanide was utilized as a volatile chemical to induce death. For military purposes, cyanide in the form of hydrocyanic acid or hydrogen cyanide is used. France was the main advocate for employing cyanide and hydrocyanic acid as a military weapon. A distilled solution was made by mixing potassium cyanide and sulfuric acid. Given the interaction of the lightness of the gas with the open air, the effect of the cyanide was not long lasting and, therefore, ineffective at reaching a large target of people. The German army were apprised of the situation and initiated the use of gas masks to prevent any possibility of being affected by any strains of cyanide in the air. The results of cyanide as a military weapon during that time were considered unsuccessful. Cyanogen chloride, a heavier and not as highly volatile gas, was introduced as a further attempt by the French. As a toxic substance, cyanogen chloride has some of the same qualities as hydrocyanic acid, but with additional effects of causing irritation to the eyes and an enduring toxic effect on the lungs. World War II saw the use of hydrocyanic acid, entitled Zyklon B, by the Nazis as an extermination method for millions in gas chambers.
Cyanide in Civilian Usage. Cyanide poisoning is experienced in the civilian population through inadvertent absorption, during fires or explosions, and in industrial incidents. Due to the manufacturing of cyanide or cyanide-derived substances, poison can filter into a variety of means. The chemical processes occurring during numerous factory-based processes from plastics and paper to metal works, during extracting of gold and silver, and in the fumigation industry may lead to the escape of these toxic gases. Moreover, when cyanide comes into contact with carbon monoxide, this too can be deathly.
Overview
Properties of Cyanide. The two predominant types of cyanide are hydrogen cyanide (HCN or AC) and cyanogen chloride (CNCI or CK). The boiling points of hydrogen cyanide and cyanogen chloride are 25.7oC and 12.9oC respectively. The former is a gas that smells either like bitter almonds or peach kernels, while the latter has the appearance of a colorless gas or liquid without odor. Cyanide can also be in a crystal form, such as sodium cyanide (NaCN) or potassium cyanide (KCN).
Natural Forms of Cyanide. The release of cyanide from natural forms via the plant cassava is prevalent, as is the occurrence in foods such as lima beans, almonds, apricot and peach pits, and apple seeds. Although edible consumption may not be problematic, when metabolized, higher levels of cyanide may be present. Cigarette smoke is another means of inhaling cyanide. Even the chemicals in nail acetone products are potentially toxic cyanide-based substances. Exposure to cyanide may be possible by breathing air, through food or liquid consumption, or by touching toxic substances or cyanide-affected soil.
Consumption or Inhalation. Cyanide poisoning is most rapid or lethal when absorbed by swallowing cyanide or inhaling cyanide gas. Breathing cyanide in an enclosed room is particularly dangerous. In an outside space, the effect is slightly diminished given the fact that the gas can rise and disperse.
Lethal Effect. Histotoxic anoxia is the term given to the lethal effect of cyanide poisoning. When cyanide is absorbed, it binds to cytochrome oxidase, causing a cessation of aerobic cell metabolism. This occurs within minutes, which makes the danger even more acute. The heart and lungs, which require oxygen for survival, are especially affected. The immediate therapy when encountering the presence of cyanide and toxic poisoning is to eliminate exposure to the gas by removing the person from the environment, as well as giving the required antidote. All clothing should be removed (cutting it off, rather than pulling it over the head, as necessary), as the fabrics absorb the contamination. Skin needs to be rinsed with soap and water. When liquid is present on the skin surface, water without soap is used. These initial steps serve to reduce the poisonous content on the skin, facilitating further therapeutic treatment. What is of particular concern with regard to cyanide poisoning is that the physical symptoms may not be apparent immediately; however, the lethal effect can be instant, within seconds. Some physical signs may include feeling weak, dizzy and nauseated; a headache might occur, as well as vomiting. The breath and heart rate may be rapid. A larger toxic dose may lead to convulsions and loss of consciousness. The heart and blood pressure rate may drop significantly. Given the harmful effect on the lungs, respiratory failure may result, and a fatality may be the outcome.
Antidotal Drugs. Antidotal drugs used in the United States include nitrites such as amyl nitrite and sodium nitrite, certain methemoglobin-forming drugs, cobalt salt, thiosulfate, and hydroxocobalamin.
Medical Care. Whether someone has been exposed to cyanide himself or herself or by assisting another person, it is essential to remove clothing (and dispose in sealed bag), wash the body, and avoid touching any items that have come into contact with the cyanide. Getting immediate medical care is crucial.
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