J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  1999 Mar;10(1):116-121.

A Case of Cyanide Poisoning Caused by Acrylonitrile Inhalation

• Lim YS
• Yang HJ
• Lee K

Abstract

Acrylonitrile is most commonly used aliphatic nitrile compounds characterized by the structural formula R-C=N and used mossy to make acrylic fibers, plastics, synthetic rubber, and wall coverings. In recent, because of its extensive usage and the rapid expansion of the chemical industry, many poisonings have been reported and many studies on its health effects have been performed. Acute toxicity resembles cyanide poisoning and results mainly in effects on the nervous system. High exposure also can cause temporary damage to red blood cells and the liver and can cause lead to death. Because long-term occupational exposure to the acrylonitrile has been with cancer in humans, the U.S EPA classifies acrylonitrile as probable carcinogen. For this reason, The federal government has developed regulations and advisories to protect individuals firm the potential health effects of acylonitrile in the environment, but there are few studies, case reports and regulations of the government in our country. We experienced acute poisoning caused by acrylonitrile inhalation that occurred in an industrial accident. So, we report this case with literature reveiw.

MeSH Terms

Accidents, Occupational
Acrylonitrile*
Chemical Industry
Elastomers
Erythrocytes
Federal Government
Humans
Inhalation*
Liver
Nervous System
Occupational Exposure
Plastics
Poisoning*
Social Control, Formal
Acrylonitrile
Elastomers
Plastics