All About Cyanide

What is Cyanide?

Cyanide is a potentially deadly poison that is known to act rapidly and lethally. It is considered as a potent suicidal, homicidal, genocidal and chemical warfare agent.

What is Cyanide Poisoning?

Once exposed to cyanide, it will block the body from using oxygen, which causes the cells in the body to die. The inhalation of cyanide causes the most harm. However, its ingestion is also known to be extremely dangerous.

Accidental Cyanide Poisoning

Accidental Cyanide Poisoning incidents take place in industries dealing with poisonous chemicals. Thousands of people lose their lives because of accidental exposure to Cyanide. While Cyanide poisoning is arguably unpredictable; all over the world, industries dealing with poisonous gas are mandated to keep antidote kits as a precaution. Cyanide poisoning is proven to be lethal if the treatment is not offered on time. Protection from Cyanide Poisoning is part of “Industrial safety norms” in almost all the countries of the world.

What happens when someone gets Cyanide Poisoning?

Cyanide poisoning can result from a number of causes including, but not limited to, industrial and residential applications, fires, iatrogenic sources, and consumption of certain food items.
Exposure to this chemical by way of absorption, inhalation or ingestion can induce death in a matter of minutes.

What to do in case of Cyanide Poisoning

Treatment :

Since cyanide is known to act rapidly, prompt treatment is to be performed without delay.

Treatment of cyanide poisoning involves first aid and antidotes.

Step 1: Administer proper first aid containing pure oxygen, amyl nitrate, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Step 2: Use an appropriate antidote. Note that several antidotes are available for the treatment of cyanide poisoning, each with differing mechanisms of action and diverse toxicological, clinical, and risk-benefit profiles.

Contents Of Cyanide Antidote Kit