The concept of cyanide, which comes from the French word cyanure, refers to an anion that has a carbon atom linked to a nitrogen atom through a triple bond. Organic compounds that have this type of atom bonding are called cyanide or nitrile groups.
According to DigoPaul, the most common form of cyanide is the hydrogen cyanide salt, also known as hydrocyanic acid. This substance is characterized by its high toxicity, which can be lethal to humans.
Hydrogen cyanide arose naturally within the framework of the development of life on our planet. It is part of plants, insects and microorganisms as a method of protection. It is also generated in various combustion processes, being present in tobacco smoke and in the smoke that cars emanate during their operation.
At an industrial level, cyanide is obtained by combining ammonia with natural gas or as a by-product derived from the production of acrylic fibers. Its uses are varied: the manufacture of plastics and paints; the manufacture of pesticides; drug development; and extracting silver and gold are some of the activities carried out using cyanide, which may appear as hydrogen cyanide, potassium cyanide, sodium cyanide, etc.
It should be noted that cyanide, due to its toxicity, causes damage when ingested or inhaled or when it is in contact with the skin.
Specifically, cyanide, which as we have mentioned is highly toxic, it should be noted that it can have serious consequences for the human body. Specifically, it causes situations like these:
-It prevents what is the process of cellular respiration.
-Causes what is known as cytotoxic hypoxia, which can lead to the death of the individual.
-It brings seizures.
-Makes the heart rate go faster than normal.
-There is an increase in the size of the pupils.
-It brings with it that the person who is in contact with it has much colder skin and even appears wet.
-Whoever comes into contact with cyanide will feel that they are drowning and will experience a sensation of internal burning.
-When the person has been poisoned with cyanide, in the final stretch of the process they will see that their heart rate becomes much slower, their extremities and lips will turn blue, their body temperature will drop sharply …
Therefore, in any of these cases, it is necessary to go to a doctor to provide the necessary assistance.
In addition to everything indicated, we have to point out the existence of a play that uses the term that we are dealing with now. We are referring to “The cyanide, alone or with milk?”, Written by Juan José Alonso Millán.
It premiered at the Beatriz Theater in Madrid on June 7, 1963 and tells the story of a mother and daughter who live in a large house in Badajoz with their curmudgeonly grandfather, who reaches 90 years of age. One night they come to consider ending the life of that old man, but a cousin, a doctor by profession, will appear on the scene, who will change the course of events.
