Cyanide poisoning is considered as a life-threatening condition. As a rare but potentially dangerous poison, it works by causing inability of the body to utilize oxygen. It is important to note that the cyanide compounds that are dangerous include hydrogen cyanide gas as well as potassium cyanide, crystalline solids and sodium cyanide.
What are the usual sources of cyanide poisoning?
- Inhalation of smoke from fires
- Cigarette smoke
- Industries that utilize cyanide (electroplating, chemical research, metal processing, photography and synthetic plastics)
- Cancer treatment
- Certain plants such as apricot pits and cassava
What are the indications?
It is difficult to detect cyanide poisoning. The effects that occur if cyanide is ingested are the same with the indications of suffocation. Remember that the mechanism of toxicity takes place since cyanide stops the body cells from using oxygen.
The symptoms are the same to what one experiences when climbing or hiking at high altitudes such as the following:
- Confusion
- Generalized weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Erratic behavior
- Excessive sleepiness
- Headache
- Coma
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Abdominal pain
An acute case of cyanide poisoning usually have a rapid, dramatic onset that immediately affects the heart and cause collapse. It can also affect the brain and trigger a seizure or coma.
Chronic cyanide poisoning
This occurs over an extended period after ingestion or environmental poisoning. This includes the following symptoms:
- Changes in taste
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Anxiety
The skin of the individual can sometimes turn unusually pink or cherry-red since oxygen remained in the blood and could not reach the cells.
The individual will also breathe rapidly and have either very fast or slow heartbeat. Oftentimes, the breath can smell the same as bitter almonds but this is hard to detect.
Quick Note / Disclaimer
The material posted on this page on cyanide poisoning is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize and manage cyanide poisoning, register for a first aid and CPR course with Saskatoon First Aid.