Cyanide Poisoning

Cyanide Poisoning

What is Cyanide Poisoning?

Cyanide poisoning results from inhaling hydrogen cyanide or ingesting the salts of hydrogen cyanide. Hydrogen cyanide is highly toxic because it inhibits the oxidative processes of the cells. Acute poisoning from hydrogen cyanide or cyanides is manifested by dizziness, nausea, staggering, and loss of consciousness. Death may occur rapidly after swallowing as little as 300 milligrams of the salts or inhaling as little as 100 milligrams of hydrogen cyanide. Exposure to concentrations of 200–500 parts of hydrogen cyanide per 1,000,000 parts of air for 30 minutes is also usually fatal. In sub-lethal doses, the cyanide is rapidly detoxified by the human body through combination with sulfur to form nontoxic sulphonamides, and recovery is usually complete within a few hours, with no permanent aftereffects.

Because the poison acts with extreme rapidity, recovery from poisoning depends upon the promptness with which antidotes are administered. Fatalities may be prevented by the administration of such antidotes as amyl nitrite, sodium nitrite, and 25 per cent sodium thiosulfate solution. After reading this, you would have understood that what Cyanide Poisoning is?

Where is cyanide found?

  • Factories that make plastics, paper, jewellery, or textiles
  • In the soil, either naturally or from industrial processes
  • Smoke from a fire or cigarette, or exhaust from a car
  • Rarely, it could be used as an act of terrorism

Above mentioned are most common places/things where cyanide can be found.

What are the signs and symptoms of cyanide poisoning?

Cyanide poisoning symptoms may appear within a few seconds to several minutes after exposure cyanide. Below are the symptoms of Cyanide Poisoning:

  • Headache, dizziness, or confusion
  • Anxiety or restlessness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
  • Chest pain or a fast heartbeat
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Seizures
  • Mydriasis
  • Tachypnea/Hyperpnea (early)
  • Bradypnea/Apnea (late)
  • Hypertension (early)/ Hypotension (late)
  • Cardiovascular Collapse
  • Vomiting
  • Plasma Lactate Concentration ≥ 8 mmol/L
  • Food and Drinks Poison Detection scans for dangerous levels of Cyanide and other poisons.

How quickly do you die from Cyanide Poisoning?

Many might have this question that, how quickly does one die from Cyanide Poisoning? Cyanide poison kills rapidly: One can die within seconds if given lethal dose of cyanide gas and it will take minutes to die if ingested with lethal dose of cyanide salt. It affects CNS (central nervous system) and cardiovascular systems majorly.

Prevention and Safety Measures For Possible Cyanide Poisoning

While understanding cyanide poisoning, its symptoms, and its rapid effects is crucial, it’s equally important to know how to prevent exposure and what safety measures can be taken.

  • Awareness: Being aware of where cyanide is commonly found can help in avoiding unnecessary exposure. This includes factories that make plastics, paper, jewellery, or textiles, and in the soil from industrial processes. It can also be present in smoke from a fire or cigarette, or exhaust from a car.
  • Safety Equipment: If you work in an environment where cyanide is used, always use the recommended safety equipment. This can include masks, gloves, and protective clothing.
  • Proper Ventilation: Ensure that areas where cyanide is used are well-ventilated to prevent the build-up of harmful levels of this toxic compound.
  • First Aid Training: Knowing the first aid steps to take in case of cyanide poisoning can save lives. This includes understanding the use of antidotes such as amyl nitrite, sodium nitrite, and 25 per cent sodium thiosulfate solution.
  • Emergency Services: In the event of suspected cyanide poisoning, it’s crucial to contact emergency services immediately. Rapid response is key to recovery.

Remember, cyanide is a dangerous substance, and exposure can lead to severe health effects, including death. Always prioritize safety when handling materials that may contain cyanide.

How Does Cyanide Kills Someone? 

Let’s delve deeper into how cyanide poisoning disrupts the body’s normal functioning and leads to cell death.

Disrupts Cellular Respiration:

Cyanide interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen for energy production. It specifically targets an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase, which is critical for the final step in the cellular respiration process. This disrupts the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells. Without sufficient ATP, cells can’t function properly and eventually die.

Rapid Effects:

This cellular suffocation happens quickly, leading to the rapid symptoms and death associated with cyanide poisoning. Organs most affected are the brain and heart, which require a constant supply of energy.

Can cyanide poisoning be detected?

Early detection of cyanide poisoning is essential for successful treatment. Here’s how medical professionals can diagnose this condition.

Medical Tests: 

Blood tests can measure cyanide levels in the body. Additionally, arterial blood gas analysis can reveal signs of oxygen deprivation due to cyanide poisoning.

Treatment: 

Prompt administration of antidotes like sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate can be life-saving. These work by converting cyanide into a less toxic form that the body can eliminate.

Not Always Fatal:

Early detection and treatment are crucial, but with swift medical intervention, cyanide poisoning isn’t always fatal.

For more information on cyanide poisoning or to confirm a case of poisoning, The Carlson Company offers toxins testing services. Here at The Carlson Company, we can confirm Cyanide poisoning through hair, blood, urine or any non-biological sample. To book an appointment, call us at + (866) – 889 – 3410.