Affects of cyanide in human body

How does cyanide act in the body?

After exposure, cyanide quickly enters the bloodstream. The body handles small amounts of cyanide differently than large amounts. In small doses, cyanide in the body can be changed into thiocyanate, which is less harmful and is excreted in urine. In the body, cyanide in small amounts can also combine with another chemical to form vitamin B₁₂, which helps maintain healthy nerve and red blood cells. In large doses, the body’s ability to change cyanide into thiocyanate is overwhelmed. Large doses of cyanide prevent cells from using oxygen and eventually these cells die. The heart, respiratory system and central nervous system are most susceptible to cyanide poisoning.

What are the specific signs and symptoms of cyanide poisoning?

The health effects from high levels of cyanide exposure can begin in seconds to minutes. Some signs and symptoms of such exposures are:

• Weakness and confusion
• Headache
• Nausea/feeling "sick to your stomach"
• Gasping for air and difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness/"passing out"
• Seizures
• Cardiac arrest

The severity of health effects depends upon the route and duration of exposure, the dose, and the form of cyanide.

Will laboratory testing assist in making treatment decisions if someone has been exposed to cyanide?

While an elevated blood cyanide concentration may indicate that someone has been exposed to cyanide, laboratory testing for cyanide exposure will not be useful in making emergency treatment decisions. A patient exposed to cyanide should not expect medical personnel to do these tests before treatment. Treatment should not be delayed if signs and symptoms are present and exposure is believed to have occurred.