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What is cyanide?
Cyanide is a naturally occurring poison that can be concentrated in the form of a colorless gas, blue or clear liquid, or powdery white solid. Depending on the form of cyanide, the poison has many different names such as hydrogen cyanide (gas), hydrocyanic acid (liquid) or cyanide salts (solids). Any form of cyanide may have an odor of bitter almonds.
Where does cyanide come from?
Small amounts of cyanide occur naturally in some foods such as cherry laurel and cassava root. Larger concentrations of cyanide are generated for uses in industry such as gold mining, fumigation and electroplating.
How long does cyanide stay in the environment?
Cyanide gas disperses quickly (within minutes in open air). Liquid forms are more stable but may still evaporate quickly once exposed to the atmosphere. Solid forms are stable and will remain dangerous.
How might I be exposed to cyanide?
Cyanide can be inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin to cause cyanide poisoning. Accidental cyanide poisoning can occur in industrial accidents or by eating foods that naturally contain cyanide. Intentional use of cyanide for terrorism activities is another possible way you can be exposed to cyanide in any of its gas, liquid or solid forms.
What immediate health symptoms can be caused by cyanide?
Exposure to a significant dose of cyanide can cause headache, confusion, nausea, weakness and shortness of breath. Cyanide exposure may lead to convulsions, coma, and death. Additional symptoms depend on how you are exposed to cyanide, for instance a sore throat and a burning sensation can occur with ingestion of cyanide.
How soon do symptoms appear?
This depends on how you are exposed to cyanide. After inhaling cyanide gas or liquid vapor, symptoms start almost immediately, within seconds or minutes. Ingesting liquid or solid cyanide or absorbing cyanide through the skin will cause symptoms within 15 to 30 minutes
How do I know if I have been exposed to cyanide?
Diagnosis is usually based on signs and symptoms after cyanide exposure. There is also a blood test for cyanide. In addition, you may be aware of an industrial accident or intentional terrorist release.
Can cyanide poisoning be treated?
Yes. Rapid treatment with specific antidotes and general medical care can effectively counteract cyanide poisoning. It is critical to seek emergency room treatment immediately.
What are the long-term effects of cyanide poisoning?
Acute poisoning generally has no long-term effects. In severe cases, however, there may be residual damage to the heart or nervous system.
Chronic poisoning - when a person has been exposed to low levels of cyanide over long periods of time, as occurs with certain industrial workers - may have additional effects. See Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Can cyanide poisoning be prevented?
Like any terrorist activity, the best prevention is to stop cyanide from being released. There is no pre-treatment that can protect against the effects of cyanide.
Where can I find more information?
Additional information may be obtained at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Posted 3/10/05
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