Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Slide 6
Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism:
TICs & TIMs
Cyanide: Two Common Forms
Hydrogen Cyanide Gas
Solid Cyanide Salts
(sodium cyanide,
potassium cyanide,
calcium cyanide)
Toxic when Inhaled
Toxic when Ingested
Module Four – Cyanide & Fumigants
6
This lecture will primarily be devoted to inhalation exposures to hydrogen cyanide gas
because that constitutes the more significant threat. Hydrogen cyanide gas is readily
absorbed through the lungs and results in rapid onset (seconds) after exposure and
more severe clinical effects.
The salt forms of cyanide (such as sodium cyanide) require dissolution in stomach water
delaying the onset of symptoms after ingestion compared to when inhaled. Also, the
kinetics of gastrointestinal uptake are slower than following inhalation. Thus symptoms
following ingestion may be delayed about 20 minutes, as opposed to nearly immediately
after inhalation.
Sodium and potassium salts are widely available from chemical supply companies and
industry. Calcium cyanide is sometimes used to clean the brass buttons used on
traditional Korean costumes.
December 2008 Version 2.0 Page 193