Chemical and Biological Agents and Radiation
Hydrogen cyanide (HCN): HCN is a highly toxic chemical blood agent in the form of a colorless gas. Cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory and thyroid effects can occur as a result of chronic low exposure to HCN (Blanc, Hogan, Hryhorczuk, Hessl & Bernard, 1985). In case of exposure to liquid HCL, mild soapy water can be used for decontamination. Either sodium or amyl nitrite combined with sodium thiosulfate can be can be used as an antidote for the effects of HCN poisoning (USAMRICD, 2000). Treating patients with poor oxygen-carrying capacity can be a bit challenging because nitrite-induced methemoglobinemia can be harmful. (Chandra, Gupta, Bhargava, ...
