#Russian collection hcn. portable#

In small doses, cyanide in the body can be changed into thiocyanate, which is less harmful and is excreted in urine. The body handles small amounts of cyanide differently than large amounts. How does cyanide act in the body?Īfter exposure, cyanide quickly enters the bloodstream. Because of their quick-acting nature, cyanides may be used as agents of terrorism. Lethal exposures to cyanides result only from accidents or intentional acts. Breathing cyanide gas, especially in a poorly ventilated space, has the greatest potential for harm. Eating or drinking cyanide-containing foods may cause health effects. People may be exposed to low levels of cyanides in their daily lives from foods, smoking and other sources. During water chlorination, cyanogen chloride may be produced at low levels. Some industrial processes, such as iron and steel production, chemical industries and wastewater treatment can create cyanides. Dye and drug companies also use cyanides. Cyanide and cyanide-containing compounds are used in pesticides and fumigants, plastics, electroplating, photodeveloping and mining. Historically, hydrogen cyanide has been used as a chemical weapon. Other people can smell it at first, but then get used to the odor. While some cyanide compounds have a characteristic odor, odor is not a good way to tell if cyanide is present. Cyanogen chloride is a colorless liquefied gas that is heavier than air and has a pungent odor. Other chemicals called cyanogens can generate cyanides. Sodium cyanide and potassium cyanide are white powders which may have a bitter almond-like odor. Hydrogen cyanide is a pale blue or colorless liquid at room temperature and is a colorless gas at higher temperatures. There are several chemical forms of cyanide.

Cyanides are also found in cigarette smoke, in vehicle exhaust, and in foods such as spinach, bamboo shoots, almonds, lima beans, fruit pits and tapioca. Cyanides can be produced by certain bacteria, fungi and algae. Low levels of cyanides are found in nature and in products we commonly eat and use.

They were used as chemical weapons for the first time in World War I. Chemical Terrorism Wall Chart (PDF, 97KB, 1pg.)Ĭyanides are fast-acting poisons that can be lethal.Chemical Terrorism Preparedness and Response Card (PDF, 45KB, 7pg.).For information on preparedness and response (e.g., for first responders and emergency medical personnel), please refer to the following Department resources: Note to reader: This fact sheet is intended to provide general awareness and education on a specific chemical agent.

#Russian collection hcn. portable#

The Facts About Cyanides General InformationĪ copy of the The Facts About Cyanides (General Information) is available in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF, 67 KB, 4pg.) All Health Care Professionals & Patient Safety.Clinical Guidelines, Standards & Quality of Care.Health & Safety in the Home, Workplace & Outdoors.Birth, Death, Marriage & Divorce Records.