CYANIDE FUMIGANTS

Examples of Commercial Products and Generic Names

Cell Metabolism
Cyanide fumigants affect cytochomoxidases primarily in heart and brain.

Ingestion
Inhalation
Dermal

Class 1

One of fastest acting known poisons.

MASSIVE DOSE	Unconsciousness and death without warning
SMALLER DOSES	Illness may last one or more hours.
FOLLOWING INGESTION:	Bitter, acrid, burning taste followed by constriction of membrane in throat. Salivation and nausea without vomiting, anxiety, confusion, and dizziness. Variable respirations / inspiration short and expiration prolonged. Order of bitter almonds in breath and vomitus. Initial increase in blood pressure and slowing of heart followed by rapid and irregular pulse. palpitation and constriction of chest. Unconsciousness, convuisions and death from respiratory failure

SPEED IS IMPERATIVE
If apneic, start artificial respiration. Keep airway open.
INHALATION OF AMYL NITRITE (AMYL NITRITE PEARLS) every 15-30 seconds of glycerol trinitrate (Nitrol) 1 inch applied on the non-hairy past of the chest near the heart.
Intravenous injection (even of non-sterile solution) of 10 ml of 3% sodium nitrite over 2-4 minute period. DO NOT REMOVE NEEDLE.
Through same needle give 50 ml of 25% solution of sodium thiosulfate over 10 minutes.

ALTERNATIVE to sodium nitrate and sodium thiosulfate:

HYDROXOCABLMIN 5 gm IV bolus, single dose.

If symptoms recur repeat the nitrite and thiosulfate.
In case of ingestion stomach lavage with 5% sodium bicarbonate should follow the above procedure.
After lavage, Charcoal (40 gm) should be placed into the stomach.
Oxygen therapy and whole blood transfusions may be necessary if nitrite induced methemoglobinemia becomes severe.

No simple tests. Only complex laboratory procedures. Send blood for cyanide levels. Levels of 0.1 mg/l usually associated with symptoms

Pakistan Agricultural Pesticides Association

909-910, Park Avenue, P.E.C.H.S.,
Shahrah-e-Faisal,
Karachi-75400

Tel:454 1562 Fax:454 6131