Hydrogen cyanide

Cyanide agent's primary means of inducing toxicity is through inhalation and skin/eye contact.

• The clinical signs of poisoning following significant vapor inhalation begin in seconds to minutes after exposure.
• Liquid agent, which is readily absorbed through skin (especially in young children and pregnant women), can produce symptoms immediately or be delayed up to an hour.
• Ingestion can occur via terrorist induced contamination of water/food supply, or toddler hand to mouth behavior.
• Link - Prehospital Management - Treatment of Cyanide Ingestion