Chemical Weapon - Cyanide

Order our emergency preparedness book so you can be prepared for a terrorism emergency. Don't wait until it is too late.

What It Is

Cyanide is a rapidly acting, potentially deadly chemical that can exist in various forms. Cyanide can be a colorless gas, such as hydrogen cyanide (HCN) or cyanogen chloride (CNCl), or a crystal form such as sodium cyanide (NaCN) or potassium cyanide (KCN). Cyanide gas sometimes is described as having a “bitter almond” smell, but it does not always give off an odor, and not everyone can detect this odor. Cyanide is also known by the military designations AN (for hydrogen cyanide) and CK (for cyanogen chloride).

What It Does

Poisoning caused by cyanide depends on the amount of cyanide a person is exposed to, the route of exposure, and the length of time that a person is exposed. Breathing cyanide gas causes the most harm, but ingesting cyanide can be toxic as well. Cyanide gas is most dangerous in enclosed places where the gas will be trapped. Cyanide gas evaporates and disperses quickly in open spaces, making it less harmful outdoors. Cyanide gas is less dense than air, so it will rise. Cyanide prevents the cells of the body from getting oxygen. When this happens, the cells die. Cyanide is more harmful to the heart and brain than other organs because the heart and brain use a lot of oxygen.

Be Prepared

First, get fresh air by leaving the area where the cyanide was released. Moving to an area with fresh air is a good way to reduce the possibility of death from exposure to cyanide gas. If the cyanide release was outside, move away from the area where the cyanide was released. If the cyanide release was indoors, get out of the building. If leaving the area that was exposed to cyanide is not an option, stay as low to the ground as possible. Remove any clothing that has liquid cyanide on it. If possible, seal the clothing in a plastic bag, and then seal that bag inside a second plastic bag. Rinse the eyes with plain water for 10 to 15 minutes if they are burning or vision is blurred. Wash any liquid cyanide from the skin thoroughly with soap and water. If cyanide is known to be ingested (swallowed), do not induce vomiting or give fluids to drink. Seek medical attention right away. Stay calm. Dial 911 and explain what has happened. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

Order our emergency preparedness book.