In thrillers and spy novels, cyanide is often used as a fast-acting poison, but you can be exposed to this poison from everyday chemicals and even common foods. Have you ever wondered how cyanide poisons and kills humans, how much it takes until it is poisonous and if there is a cure? You need to know the following.
What is cyanide?
The term "cyanide" refers to any chemical containing a carbon-nitrogen (CN) bond. Many substances contain cyanide, but not all are deadly poisons. Sodium cyanide (NaCN), potassium cyanide (KCN), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and cyanogen chloride (CNCl) are deadly, but thousands of compounds called nitriles contain the cyanide group but are not as toxic. In fact, you can find cyanide in nitriles that are used as medicines, such as citalopram (Celexa) and cimetidine (Tagamet). Nitriles are not that dangerous because they do not release the CN-ion, which acts as a metabolic poison, easily.
How cyanide poisoned
In short, cyanide prevents cells from using oxygen to make energy molecules.
The cyanide CN- binds to the iron atom of cytochrome C oxidase in the mitochondria of the cells. It acts as an irreversible enzyme inhibitor and prevents cytochrome C oxidase from performing its role, namely the transport of electrons to oxygen in the electron transport chain of aerobic cellular respiration. Without the ability to use oxygen, mitochondria can not produce the energy carrier adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Tissues that need this form of energy, such as heart muscle cells and nerve cells, quickly consume all their energy and begin to die. When a sufficient number of critical cells die, you die.
Exposure to cyanide
Cyanide can be used as a poison or chemical warfare agent, but most people are unintentionally exposed to it. Some ways to expose cyanide are:
Eat manioc, lima beans, yucca, bamboo shoots, sorghum or almonds
Eating apple seeds, cherry stones, apricot pits or peach pits
to smoke cigarettes
Burn plastic
Burning coal
Inhale smoke from a house fire
The intake of acetonitrile-based products is used to remove artificial nails
Drink water, eat, touch soil or inhale contaminated air
Exposure to rodenticides or other cyanide-containing pesticides
Cyanide in fruits and vegetables is in the form of cyanogenic glycosides (cyanoglycosides). Sugars attach to these compounds during the glycosylation process and form free hydrogen cyanide.
Many industrial processes involve compounds that contain cyanide or that can react with water or air to make it. Cyanide can be used in the paper, textile, photochemical, plastics, mining and metallurgy industries. Some people report a smell of bitter almonds associated with cyanide, but not all toxic compounds produce the scent and not all people can smell it. Cyanide gas is less dense than air and therefore rises.
Symptoms of cyanide poisoning
Inhaling a high dose of cyanide gas quickly leads to unconsciousness and often death. Lower doses may be viable, especially if immediate help is provided. The symptoms of cyanide poisoning are similar to those caused by other circumstances or exposure to a range of chemicals. So do not assume that cyanide is the cause. In any case, remove the cause of the exposure and seek medical attention immediately.
Immediate symptoms
a headache
dizziness
Weakness
confusion
Fatigue
Lack of coordination
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