"Cyanide: The Deadly Substance Used in Industries - Prevention and Antidote"

2023-05-07 07:57:00

Sunday 7 May 2023, 2:57 p.m.

On May 7, 2023, Assoc. Prof. Suda Wannaprasart, M.D., Pharmacology Faculty of Medicine Khon Kaen University revealed that cyanide is a substance used in many industries. and there are many forms Both cyanide in gas form, such as hydrogen cyanide. That has been used as a weapon during World War 2, the cyanide salt form, such as potassium cyanide. and sodium cyanide It is found in borax. Or silverware cleaner, also found in plants such as raw cassava, it contains Linamarin, which can be converted into cyanide. It can take 3 – 24 hours.

In addition, some drugs can be converted to cyanide, such as sodium nitroprusside. or blood pressure medication That is used only for emergency hypertension patients who need rapid pressure relief. But the human body has an enzyme called Rhodanese that can eliminate cyanide. Makes the use of drugs not toxic to the patient’s body

“The human body is able to eliminate very small amounts of cyanide, so patients with cyanide poisoning have been shown to be in excess of the body’s ability to eliminate, leading to morbidity and death.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suda stated that cyanide can enter the human body in two main ways: inhalation and oral intake. If taking only 200 mg of potassium cyanide or inhaling only 270 ppm of cyanide gas, it can be fatal immediately. The duration of the onset of symptoms is very fast. If gas occurs within seconds The potassium cyanide group is formed within minutes. After entering the body The mechanism of action of cyanide will not cause the patient to turn blue. because it does not cause the body to lack oxygen But cyanide will inhibit the process of generating energy at the cellular level. makes the body unable to generate energy This causes cells that need a lot of oxygen or energy, such as the brain and heart, to be affected first.

For symptoms, it starts from the brain first, which is dizziness, unconsciousness, convulsions and unconsciousness, spreading to symptoms related to the heart, causing the heart to beat fast. Increased pressure at first and the heart finally stopped beating. The gastrointestinal system, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, to respiratory symptoms, namely slow breathing and eventually stopping breathing. As for cyanosis, it occurs in the last stages of respiratory and cardiac failure. and can occur in patients caused by other diseases as well

However, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suda admitted that the method for observing cyanide was quite difficult. due to the potassium cyanide group or colorless sodium cyanide As for the odor of Bitter Almond in cyanide gas. or in patients who have been poisoned is difficult to observe Only 40% of patients reported experiencing this smell.

However, he did not want the public to panic too much. Because the case that will happen nowadays is a special case that does not happen normally. Basically, everyone can protect themselves by avoiding drinking water or eating food from people who are not close, untrustworthy or unknown. And if there are any suspected symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. in order to receive the antidote in time Increase the chances of survival. There is a team of medical professionals to help diagnose the patient’s history, symptoms such as the color of the blood vessels. or acidity in the body The emergency department has both sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate antidote antidote, which is supported by the antidote program. NHSO and produced by the Thai Red Cross Society are also prepared to treat patients with cyanide poisoning.

“Cyanide is a regulator for both laboratory and industrial applications. There must be a detailed record of purchase and use already, so this case is a special case for us to learn together. And it leads to lessons on how to prevent and regulate cyanide trading.”