Search results
Aug 14, 2024 · Following ingestion, cyanide is found in the stomach, with lesser amounts found in the spleen, blood, liver, brain, and kidney; it is found in the lung, blood, brain and kidneys following inhalation .
Cyanide is a potent cytochrome c oxidase (COX, a.k.a. Complex IV) inhibitor, causing asphyxiation of cells. As such, cyanide poisoning is a form of histotoxic hypoxia, because it interferes with the ability of cells to take or use oxygen via oxidative phosphorylation. [ 25 ]: 1475. Specifically, cyanide binds to the heme a3-CuB binuclear center ...
- Overview
- How does cyanide poisoning occur?
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
Cyanide poisoning results from exposure to various forms of cyanide, present in some types of smoke, industrial fumes, drugs, foods, and more. Symptoms include vomiting, headache, dizziness, and confusion. It can be fatal and needs urgent medical attention.
Cyanides refer to any compounds that comprise the carbon-nitrogen (C-N) bond in their structure. Cyanide is a fast acting deadly chemical that many people know to be a poison.
It can exist as a colorless gas, such as cyanogen chloride (CNCl) or hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Alternatively, it can be in a crystal form, such as potassium cyanide (KCN) or sodium cyanide (NaCN).
People first used cyanide as a chemical weapon during World War I, and various dictators and terrorists have used it since then.
Exposure to high levels of cyanide can result in cyanide poisoning, with fire being the most common source of exposure. About 35% of all fire victims have toxic levels of cyanide in their blood.
However, deaths from cyanide poisoning are rare. Out of 3,165 human exposures during 1993–2002, only 2.5% were fatal.
Cellular respiration is a vital process in the body that uses oxygen to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary source of energy for cells.
Cyanide can disrupt the cellular respiratory process by binding with a key enzyme of the respiratory chain called cytochrome oxidase. This blocks intracellular respiration and increases lactic acid synthesis.
Cyanide can also bind to other important enzymes and damage the nervous system through lipid peroxidation. The brain and heart are most sensitive to the effect of cyanide because they quickly metabolize oxygen.
Learn more about the nervous system.
Cyanide is a highly cytotoxic poison that produces symptoms of cyanide poisoning when the blood cyanide concentration reaches a certain level.
The onset of symptoms depends on the dose of cyanide and the duration and route of the exposure. Inhaling cyanide or exposure through intravenous routes leads to a more rapid onset of symptoms than the transdermal or oral routes. In general, without treatment, acute cyanide intoxication is lethal within minutes to hours.
The symptoms of cyanide poisoning include:
•vomiting and nausea
•dizziness
•restlessness
A person may experience cyanide poisoning after exposure to several natural and synthetic substances.
Some of the major sources that can lead to cyanide poisoning are:
•fire smoke from residential fires, as well as the combustion of:
•wool
•polyurethane
•resins
Doctors may recommend several tests to determine the level of cyanide in the body, such as:
•arterial blood gas
•urine tox screen
•urinalysis
•complete blood count
•chest X-ray
Cyanide poisoning is a medical emergency. Anyone who thinks that they are experiencing cyanide poisoning should immediately call 911.
Following a suspected exposure to cyanide gas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend:
•moving away from the contaminated area
•removing clothing that may be contaminated
•washing the skin with soap and water
•waiting for emergency medical services to arrive
People may prevent cyanide poisoning by installing smoke detectors in their home and regularly checking to make sure that they work.
A person who works with cyanide should follow all of the safety regulations that their employer provides.
What does cyanide do to the body?
Cyanide disrupts the process of cellular respiration by binding to an enzyme called cytochrome oxidase. It also inhibits other important enzymes and causes damage to the nervous system. By disrupting cellular respiration, it prevents the body from using oxygen and denies cells of a vital energy source.
Where is cyanide found?
Various foods contain cyanide, such as: •cassava roots •apples •almonds •lima beans However, the quantities of cyanide in these foods are sufficiently low that people do not have to avoid consuming them. Some types of bacteria, fungi, animals, and plants also synthesize cyanide as a source of nitrogen and as a self-defense mechanism. Additionally, cyanide is present in smoke from fire, cigarettes, and some industrial settings. Smoke inhalation from household fires is responsible for most cases of cyanide poisoning in middle and high income countries.
How many people can smell cyanide?
Not everyone is able to smell cyanide. Approximately 60% of people can detect the bitter, almond odor of cyanide.
Cyanide poisoning is a condition that occurs due to an excessive amount of cyanide in the body. It can cause serious health complications, such as seizures and loss of consciousness. Cyanide poisoning can be fatal.
People experiencing symptoms of cyanide poisoning should immediately call 911 or their local emergency number. If necessary, healthcare professionals can treat them with antidotes.
Dec 11, 2018 · They found 84.3% of the cases were from ingested cyanide, compared to 7.8% inhalation. While the cellular mechanism of oral cyanide is not unique, the toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of oral cyanide is, thus clinical effects are different than those of inhaled cyanide . In addition, oral exposures to cyanide may result in greater absorption ...
- Tara B. Hendry-Hofer, Patrick C. Ng, Patrick C. Ng, Alyssa E. Witeof, Sari B. Mahon, Matthew Brenner...
- 2019
Only transitory behavioral changes were reported in monkeys exposed to 25 ppm cyanogen (12.5 ppm cyanide) for 6 months (Lewis et al. 1984). No effects were found at 11 ppm cyanogen (5.5 ppm cyanide) exposure. Exposure of dogs to 45 ppm hydrogen cyanide for 28–96 days caused tremors, convulsions, and coma (Valade 1952).
- 2006/07
One chronic-duration oral study found no significant cyanide-dependent effects in rats exposed to hydrogen cyanide in the diet for 2 years at doses as high as 7.8 mg/kg/day for males or 10.4 mg/kg/day for females (Howard and Hanzal 1955). However, the reliability of this study is low because evaporation of the cyanide from the feed resulted in unstable cyanide levels throughout the experiment ...
People also ask
Where is hydrogen cyanide found?
Does cyanide accumulate in blood?
Which body system is most sensitive to cyanide?
Is oral cyanide more toxic than inhalation?
How does cyanide affect the central nervous system?
Does hydrogen cyanide cause neurological effects?
Jul 23, 2016 · Relevant insights may be gained from studies on cyanide mass intoxication in populations relying on cyanogenic cassava as the main source of food. In these populations, sublethal concentrations (up to 80 μmol/l) of cyanide in the blood are commonplace and lead to signs of acute toxicity.
