Cyanide
Cyanide is a highly toxic poison. Cyanide binds to proteins which prevents transport of the electrons from cytochrome c to oxygen. As a result, the electron transportation path is disrupted, meaning that the cell can no longer aerobically produce ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) for energy. Tissues that depend highly on aerobic respiration such as the central nervous system and the heart, are especially affected. Basically what this all means is that with cyanide in your body’s system, your heart will deteriorate at a very quick rate.
Cyanide is largely used in the pest control industry to eliminate possums. Cyanide is very efficient at killing off possums, however any other animal which eats the cyanide laced pellets will also die. Because of this, cyanide is a leading cause of death for native birds in New Zealand, where the pellets are being used.
One of the most infamous uses of cyanide was in the systematic mass murders of the Holocaust, largely in extermination camps. The gas being released to a large number of people at once killed many, many people. Another horrific use of cyanide was conducted in Africa, by a cult. The cult leader issued a mass suicide for the cult and it’s members. The followers of the cult lined up along the streets and drank cyanide-laced lemonade.
Cyanide does not serve a purpose in cigarettes, and is not put in them directly. Cyanide is formed in a cigarette via a chemical combustion when the cigarette is lit. The cyanide is released through the smoke. The poisonous smoke is then inhaled by the smoker, and anyone around the them.
Cyanide is a highly toxic poison. Cyanide binds to proteins which prevents transport of the electrons from cytochrome c to oxygen. As a result, the electron transportation path is disrupted, meaning that the cell can no longer aerobically produce ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) for energy. Tissues that depend highly on aerobic respiration such as the central nervous system and the heart, are especially affected. Basically what this all means is that with cyanide in your body’s system, your heart will deteriorate at a very quick rate.
Cyanide is largely used in the pest control industry to eliminate possums. Cyanide is very efficient at killing off possums, however any other animal which eats the cyanide laced pellets will also die. Because of this, cyanide is a leading cause of death for native birds in New Zealand, where the pellets are being used.
One of the most infamous uses of cyanide was in the systematic mass murders of the Holocaust, largely in extermination camps. The gas being released to a large number of people at once killed many, many people. Another horrific use of cyanide was conducted in Africa, by a cult. The cult leader issued a mass suicide for the cult and it’s members. The followers of the cult lined up along the streets and drank cyanide-laced lemonade.
Cyanide does not serve a purpose in cigarettes, and is not put in them directly. Cyanide is formed in a cigarette via a chemical combustion when the cigarette is lit. The cyanide is released through the smoke. The poisonous smoke is then inhaled by the smoker, and anyone around the them.