Emergency Preparedness and Response. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Facts About Cyanide. Minus Related Pages. What cyanide is Cyanide is a rapidly acting, potentially deadly chemical that can exist in various forms. Cyanide is also known by the military designations AC for hydrogen cyanide and CK for cyanogen chloride.
Where cyanide is found and how it is used Cyanide is released from natural substances in some foods and in certain plants such as cassava, lima beans and almonds. Pits and seeds of common fruits, such as apricots, apples, and peaches, may have substantial amounts of chemicals which are metabolized to cyanide.
The edible parts of these plants contain much lower amounts of these chemicals. Cyanide is contained in cigarette smoke and the combustion products of synthetic materials such as plastics.
Combustion products are substances given off when things burn. In manufacturing, cyanide is used to make paper, textiles, and plastics.
It is present in the chemicals used to develop photographs. Cyanide salts are used in metallurgy for electroplating, metal cleaning, and removing gold from its ore. Cyanide gas is used to exterminate pests and vermin in ships and buildings. If accidentally swallowed, chemicals found in acetonitrile-based products that are used to remove artificial nails can produce cyanide when metabolized by the body. Reports have indicated that during the Iran-Iraq War in the s, hydrogen cyanide gas may have been used along with other chemical agents against the inhabitants of the Kurdish city of Halabja in northern Iraq.
How you could be exposed to cyanide You could be exposed to cyanide by breathing air, drinking water, eating food, or touching soil that contains cyanide. Cyanide enters water, soil, or air as a result of both natural processes and industrial activities. When present in air, it is usually in the form of gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Smoking cigarettes is probably one of the major sources of cyanide exposure for people who do not work in cyanide-related industries. How cyanide works The extent of poisoning caused by cyanide depends on the amount of cyanide a person is exposed to, the route of exposure, and the length of time that a person is exposed.
Breathing cyanide gas causes the most harm, but swallowing cyanide can be toxic as well. Cyanide gas is most dangerous in enclosed places where the gas will be trapped. Cyanide gas evaporates and disperses quickly in open spaces, making it less harmful outdoors. Minus Related Pages. A to Z By Category Scientists often categorize hazardous chemicals by the type of chemical or by the effects a chemical would have on people exposed to it.
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Medical Management Guidelines for Hydrogen Cyanide. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Emergency Preparedness and Response. Chemical Casualty Care Division. This fact sheet is based on the most current information. It may be updated as new information becomes available.
Navigation menu. What are cyanides? What are the properties of cyanide? How are cyanides used? How can people be exposed to cyanides?
How does cyanide act in the body? What are the specific signs and symptoms of cyanide poisoning? What can you do if you think you may have been exposed to a release of cyanide? If you have been exposed to a release of cyanide, take the following steps: Quickly move away from the area where you think you were exposed.
If the release was indoors, go outdoors. If you are near a release of cyanide, emergency coordinators may tell you to either evacuate the area or to "shelter in place. While indoors, shut and lock all doors and windows, turn off air conditioners, fans and heaters, and close fireplace dampers. Quickly remove any clothing that may have cyanide on it.
If possible, clothing that is normally removed over the head like t-shirts and sweaters should be cut off the body to prevent additional contact with the agent.
Place your clothing inside a plastic bag and seal the bag tightly. Do not handle the plastic bag, and wait for instructions on proper disposal. Disposing of your clothing in a sealed bag helps protect you and other people from additional exposure. Store the bagged clothing in a secure location away from people, especially children.
Quickly wash any cyanide from your skin with large amounts of soap and water, and flush your eyes with large amounts of water. Remove and dispose of contact lenses. Wash eyeglasses with soap and water before wearing. Do not use bleach to remove cyanide from your skin.
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