Postmortem examination cases of cyanide poisoning A biological hazard.

ABSTRACT

Hydrocyanic acid and various cyanides are relatively common poisons both in suicide, accident and occasionally homicide. Acute poisoning with cyanide is most often self administered as the swift and sure action is generally known. Accidental poisoning from inhalation of vapours due to fires in buildings or by the free gas liberated from some commercial processes is also known to occur. The preparations are rarely used with homicidal intent. Whatever be the manner of poisoning, in medical settings the persons involved in postmortem examination of cases of death of cyanide poisoning are exposed to significant degree of cyanide remaining in the body cavities and tissues of the deceased. This risk is not only for the persons attending postmortem examination but also for the first respondents like police, rescue persons and also persons extending emergency care both outside and within hospital. Hydrocyanic acid is rapidly absorbed from all mucous surfaces and even from unabraded skin .Hence attending a case of cyanide poisoning involves a hazard of inhalation of cyanide gas from the victim The hazards involved in such situations are briefly reviewed.