Cyanides

What are Cyanides?

Cyanides are a naturally occurring compound that are highly lethal when inhaled or consumed in large amounts. Due to their toxicity, cyanides were used as chemical agents in World Wars I and II. Cyanides can be found in many different edible plants, but the highest concentrations are found in fruit seeds and pits which are not commonly eaten. Man-made sources of cyanide include tobacco smoke and traffic exhaust. Cyanides are also used in various industries such as manufacturing, metallurgy, and pest control.

Types of Cyanides

• Hydrogen Cyanide (aka: formonitrile, hydrocyanic acid, prussic acid) – gas or liquid.
• Sodium Cyanide (aka: sodium salt of hydrocyanic acid) – solid/crystalline.
• Potassium Cyanide (aka: potassium salt of hydrocyanic acid) – solid/crystalline.
• Cyanogen Chloride (aka: chlorcyan, chlorine cyanide) – gas or liquid.

How to Protect Yourself

Most people are not exposed to high levels of cyanide. Low level exposures can occur from inhaling tobacco smoke, secondhand smoke, and eating certain plants. The highest concentrations of cyanide are in the seeds and pits of apples, apricots, and peaches which should not be eaten. People can also be exposed to cyanide from industrial sources, fires, and accidental releases.

Cyanides are also a chemical of concern for terrorist attacks. In these situations, the most common way cyanide gets into the body is by breathing it and absorbing it through the skin or eyes.

General Tips

• Avoid eating seeds or pits from fruits.
• Avoid eating unprocessed/improperly processed cassava (tapioca) products.
• Avoid smoking and secondhand tobacco smoke.
• Wear appropriate protective equipment when working in industrial and manufacturing settings.

In the Case of a Cyanide Release

• During emergencies, follow the instructions of police, fire, health, and other officials.
• Move away from the source to breathe fresh air. Position yourself so that the wind is blowing fresh air toward you, if possible.
• Pay attention to the radio, television, mobile news apps, and text message alerts during emergency events.
• If cyanide is released outdoors, go indoors to shelter, close windows, and turn off ventilation systems; or move to higher ground if you cannot get indoors.
• If the exposure is indoors, exit the building immediately.

Health Effects of Cyanides

Exposure to large amounts of cyanide can produce harmful health effects in seconds and can be rapidly fatal. However, accidentally swallowing a few apple seeds or cherry pits is not enough to cause harm. Illness is more likely when these foods are consumed in large quantities or prepared improperly (e.g., raw cassava).

Seek medical attention immediately if you think you may have inhaled any amount or consumed a significant amount of cyanide. In the case of a cyanide release, never attempt to remove someone from the source of cyanide if you yourself will become exposed.

Exposure Route	Moderate Effects	Severe Effects	Treatment
	Inhalation	Breathing difficulty Headache Nausea Vomiting	Heart damage Brain damage Death	Call 9-1-1 immediately to report any breathing difficulties. Do not provide mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to someone who has inhaled cyanide.
Skin	Skin rash Shortness of breath Trouble breathing normally Gasping for air Muscle weakness Muscle twitching Unsteady on feet	Muscle twitching Unsteady on feet Seizures Loss of consciousness Death	For any cyanide-related skin exposure, showering is the best method for removing cyanide from your body. Do not scrub! Wash your hair, face, and hands, then the rest of your body. Use soapy, lukewarm water for 60 seconds, then plain water for 30 seconds. Try not to let the water run into your eyes, nose, and mouth. Dry your face, then tilt your head back to dry your hair, before drying down the rest of your body. Drop the items on the ground, step away, and put on clean clothes if available. If you were exposed to solid cyanide and cannot shower immediately, remove contaminated clothing and accessories. If you need to remove clothing over your head, close your eyes and mouth, and hold your breath. If you were exposed to any form except solid cyanide and cannot shower immediately, it is crucial to blot each part of your body where you see or feel liquid. Blot each part of your body with a new, dry, and clean piece of clothing, paper towel, or cloth towel. Start with blotting your head and hair, then your face, hands, body, arms, legs, and feet. Blot each portion of your body for 10 seconds, then continue blotting if you still feel liquid on your skin. Drop used clothes and towels on the ground.
Eye	Red or irritated eyes Tears Shortness of breath Gasping for air Muscle weakness	Muscle twitching Unsteady on feet Seizures Loss of consciousness Death	If you wear contacts, take them out and do not put them back in. If your eyes are burning or your vision is obscured, rinse your eyes with moderately warm water for 10-15 minutes.
Ingestion	Male reproductive effects Brain damage Liver damage Kidney damage Thyroid damage	Lung damage Heart damage Kidney damage Pancreas damage Death	Do not force vomiting. Medical professionals may establish IV access, administer 100% oxygen, and prepare a cyanide antidote kit.

Additional Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ATSDR Information Center (1-800-232-4636)
• Centers for Disease Control Emergency Response for state and local health department assistance (1-770-488-7100)
• Regional Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222)
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ToxFAQs for Cyanides (PDF)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chemical Emergencies
• New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Office of Counter Terrorism
• New York State Department of Health. Chemical Terrorism Preparedness and Response Card (PDF)
• New York State Department of Health. Chemical Terrorism Wall Chart (PDF)
• New York State Department of Health. Additional Fact Sheets for Chemical Emergencies