Cyanide is one of the most famous poisons — from spy novels to murder mysteries, it’s developed a reputation for causing an almost immediate death.
But in real life, cyanide is a little more complicated. Cyanide can refer to any chemical that contains a carbon-nitrogen (CN) bond, and it can be found in some surprising places.
For example, it’s found in many safe-to-eat plant foods, including almonds, lima beans, soy, and spinach.
You can also find cyanide in certain nitrile compounds used in medicationsTrusted Source like citalopram (Celexa) and cimetidine (Tagamet). Nitriles aren’t as toxic because they don’t easily release the carbon-nitrogen ion, which is what acts as a poison in the body.
Cyanide is even a byproduct of metabolism in the human body. It’s exhaled in low amounts with every breath.
Deadly forms of cyanide include:
sodium cyanide (NaCN)
potassium cyanide (KCN)
hydrogen cyanide (HCN)
cyanogen chloride (CNCl)
These forms can appear as solids, liquids, or gases. You’re most likely to encounter one of these forms during a building fire.
Keep reading to learn how to recognize the symptoms of cyanide poisoning, who’s most at risk, and what treatment options are available.
What are the symptoms of cyanide poisoning?
Symptoms of toxic cyanide exposure may appear within a few seconds to several minutes after exposure.
You may experience:
overall weakness
nausea
confusion
headache
difficulty breathing
seizure
loss of consciousness
cardiac arrest
How severely you’re affected by cyanide poisoning depends on:
the dose
the type of cyanide
how long you were exposed
There are two different ways you can experience cyanide exposure. Acute cyanide poisoning has immediate, often life-threatening effects. Chronic cyanide poisoning results from exposure to smaller amounts over time.
Acute cyanide poisoning
Acute cyanide poisoning is relatively rare, and the majority of cases are from unintentional exposure.
When it does occur, symptoms are sudden and severe. You may experience:
difficulty breathing
seizure
loss of consciousness
cardiac arrest
If you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing acute cyanide poisoning, seek immediate emergency medical attention. This condition is life-threatening.
Chronic cyanide poisoning
Chronic cyanide poisoning can occur if you’re exposed to 20 to 40 parts per million (ppm)Trusted Source of hydrogen cyanide gas over a substantial period of time
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