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Published on: May 24, 2017
Cyanide exposure in fires
Lancet (London, England)
|July 8, 1978
Summary
Fire smoke can produce toxic cyanide. While firefighters showed no significant cyanide levels, casualties exposed to fire atmospheres had elevated blood cyanide, with some fatalities reaching toxic concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Fire Science
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Cyanide is a toxic gas produced during fires.
- Assessing cyanide exposure is crucial for understanding fire-related health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the toxic hazard of cyanide in fire casualties and exposed firefighters.
- To measure cyanide and thiocyanate levels in blood samples.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from firefighters, non-fatal casualties, fatal casualties, and control groups.
- Levels of cyanide and its metabolite, thiocyanate, were measured.
Main Results:
- Firefighters' blood cyanide levels did not significantly differ from controls.
- Casualties exhibited significantly elevated blood cyanide levels.
- A small percentage of fatalities showed toxic blood cyanide concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Fire smoke poses a significant cyanide toxicity risk to casualties.
- While firefighters may not show immediate elevated levels, monitoring is important.
- Cyanide poisoning is a critical concern in fire-related fatalities.
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