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64683 
Book/Book Chapter 
Hydrogen cyanide as a product of combustion and a factor in morbidity and mortality from fires 
Ballantyne, B 
1987 
Wright 
Bristol, United Kingdom 
NIOSH/00194098 
Clinical and experimental toxicology of cyanides 
B 
248-291 
Research on the contribution of hydrogen-cyanide (74908) (HCN) to morbidity and mortality in fires was reviewed. Specific topics that were addressed included: sources of cyanide, chemical nature of the polymer, oxygen availability and temperature in the heating zone, influence of burning time, and HCN evolution from low molecular weight compounds; animal exposures to products of combustion; evidence for human exposure to cyanide in fires; contribution of cyanide to morbidity and mortality in fires; toxic interrelationships between carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO) and HCN, animal exposures to pure HCN and CO mixtures, animal exposures to pyrolysis products containing CO and HCN; and observations on exposed humans; and practical implications of HCN generation in fires. The author concludes that, in view of observations both experimental and in exposed humans, significant doses of HCN may be absorbed in fire atmospheres, and antidotal treatment for cyanide may be required in certain fire victims. Recommendations for treatment of suspected acute cyanide poisoning as an emergency procedure include sodium-thiosulphate, hydroxocobalamin, 4-dimethylaminophenol, and normobaric oxygen. 
Ballantyne, B.; Marrs, T. C.,