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Hydrogen cyanide is a volatile liquid with the scent of bitter almonds. It is used as a strong disinfectant and deratization agent.
Hydrocyanic acid salts, and above all potassium cyanide, are widely used in industrial and technical applications (e.g. in electroplating plants, in photography, in chemical syntheses). It is also the most common cause of accidental poisoning.
Hydrogen cyanide blocks tissue respiratory enzymes, preventing the tissue from using oxygen, and thus suffocating them.
Symptoms of poisoning
The course of oral intoxication with hydrogen cyanide and cyanides may vary depending not only on the dose, but also on the acidity of the stomach and individual sensitivity. Relatively slow symptoms include headache, tinnitus, shortness of breath with a feeling of tightness in the chest, vomiting, acceleration and weakening of the pulse, low blood pressure, coma. With these symptoms, the pink color of the skin and the smell of bitter almonds in the environment may notice.
First aid
As in acute inhalation poisoning, ie immediate removal from the contaminated atmosphere; securing basic life activities; the poisoned must not be saved with mouth-to-mouth breath – the rescuer may be poisoned; administration of oxygen, immediate medical attention, the need to apply specific antidotes as soon as possible. In poisoning by the oral route: as above, immediately after ingestion of the poison in conscious patients – medicinal charcoal, provoking vomiting, laxatives. Immediate contact with a poison center.
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