Journal of Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
SCOPUS
  • Year: 2012
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue: 2

Accidental Cyanide Poisoning From Inhalation of Gold Polishing Chemical:an Unusual Case Report

  • Author:
  • Monisha Pradhan1,, Anand Pawar2, Suresh Chand3, C. Behera4, P.C Dikshit5
  • Total Page Count: 3
  • Published Online: Jun 1, 2012
  • Page Number: 104 to 106

1Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, BSZ Marg, New Delhi

2Junior Resident Department of Forensic Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, BSZ Marg, New Delhi

3Junior resident, Department of Forensic Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, BSZ Marg, New Delhi

4Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, BSZ Marg, New Delhi

5Director Professor & Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, BSZ Marg, New Delhi

*Corresponding author Dr. Monisha Pradhan Phone: +919899682111 Email: monishapr@yahoo.com

Abstract

Cyanide toxicity can be traced back to antiquity and its use as a suicidal agent is well known. However, fatal accidental poisoning by cyanide at the workplace is an uncommon event. Here we report a case of accidental cyanide exposure causing death of a 40 year old male, jeweller by profession, at his shop. The route of exposure was inhalation of a powdered chemical containing potassium cyanide which is used for polishing gold jewellery. The manner of exposure, clinical features and autopsy findings are discussed in this paper.

Keywords

Cyanide, Inhalation, Occupation, Gold polishing compounds