According to investigations, poisoning due to heavy metals and gases is one of the major causes of death in homicidal, accidental, or suicidal cases. Cyanide is one such toxic substance whose exposure may occur as a result of the ingestion of cyanide salts (CN−), hydrogen cyanide (HCN) liquid, or inhalation of HCN gas. In this article, we emphasize on the forensic aspects of cyanide poisoning. Healthcare professionals, both directly and indirectly are involved in the medicolegal aspects of cyanide poisoning.
This can be with respect to disclosing the cause of death, bearing proof to a case of cyanide poisoning, or authorizing post mortem reports as evidence for judicial purposes. In the case of cyanide poisoning, 200–300 milligram of cyanide salt consumed by an adult is likely to be fatal in the absence of any treatment. Death may be delayed for at least an hour in the case of intake of…
