To resolve this important issue, CSAC chemists Dr. “But they actually need totally different medical treatment.”

Rabih Jabbour, a bioanalytical chemist at CSAC. “Determining whether someone has been exposed to cyanide just from visual observation can be an issue because the symptoms of cyanide and carbon monoxide exposure are very similar,” said Dr. “Both can be deadly, and both operate similarly by denying cells the ability to use oxygen.”Ĭarbon monoxide exposure is relatively easy to measure with a pulse oximeter but currently rapid and non-invasive field tests are not available to determine cyanide exposure for smoke-exposed individuals, so medical professionals at the scene of an incident can only evaluate general signs and symptoms to assess whether victims were exposed. David Reed, a chemist at the Science and Technology Directorate's (S&T) Chemical Security Analysis Center (CSAC). “Carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide are called the ‘toxic twins’ of smoke inhalation,” said Dr. However, unprotected civilians can suffer serious health consequences. These fumes, mixed with smoke, are so toxic that even in very low quantities may pose more risk than the fire itself.įirefighters are generally, but not always, protected by their self-contained breathing apparatus and other equipment.

In the chaos of burning buildings, it is not just the flames that are dangerous and potentially lethal, but also toxic fumes like cyanide that are released when certain materials are incinerated.

Cure for cyanide