English

Abstract

BACKGROUND Cyanide is a rapidly acting poison which has been the suicidal agent of choice since time unknown. Its notoriety also extends to homicide, and it has often been used by serial killers. It is found in nature and is used in various industries, but is difficult to obtain nowadays as a result of strict policy implementation. METHODS All cases of cyanide poisoning over a period of 20 years from 2000 to 2019 were studied. Samples were sent for identification and quantification by GC-MS to the chemical examiner’s laboratory. Data was collected in pro forma and entered into Microsoft Excel and analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). RESULTS A total of 84 cases were studied over a period of 20 years. The majority of cases were recorded in the first decade of the study period. Most common age group involved was 31 to 40 years. Males comprised 84.9 % of the total. Majority were suicidal in nature, and 22.6 % were suicide pacts. The reason for committing suicide could not be found in 59.3 %. 67.9 % were found dead or brought dead to the hospital. In 24 % cases, the typical smell of bitter almonds was identified. Police were able to make out the presence of poison in 83.3 % during the preliminary investigation. CONCLUSIONS Males were the commonly affected. Ingestion of poison was the method of administration in all cases. Majority were suicides, and occurred in the residence of the victims. In majority of cases, police could identify the cause of death as poisoning. The characteristic smell could be identified only in a few cases. KEYWORDS Cyanide, Corrosion, Poisoning, Suicide