Final answer:
The lethality of hydrogen cyanide poisoning can be swift, potentially causing death within minutes at high concentrations. Treatment methods include the United States standard cyanide antidote kit and alternative treatments like hydroxocobalamin in Cyanokit. The poisoning leads to an increase in pH of the intermembrane space and a decrease in ATP synthesis due to inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase.
Step-by-step explanation:
How fast someone dies from hydrogen cyanide poisoning largely depends on the concentration and mode of exposure. Cyanide is swiftly lethal at high concentrations, with death occurring within minutes. At lower concentrations, symptoms might manifest more slowly, allowing more time for potential treatment. Hydrogen cyanide and other cyanide compounds, such as cyanide salts, can be absorbed through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal exposure, leading to cellular respiration failure as the cyanide ions interfere with cytochrome c oxidase in the electron transport chain, resulting in the body's tissues being unable to use oxygen.
Treatment for cyanide poisoning typically begins with the United States standard cyanide antidote kit which includes a small inhaled dose of amyl nitrite, followed by intravenous sodium nitrite, then intravenous sodium thiosulfate. Newly approved treatments such as hydroxocobalamin are available in Cyanokit antidote kits. Alternative treatments, such as intra-muscular injections of Sulfanegen TEA, promote detoxification by converting cyanide into thiocyanate, which is less toxic.
If someone is poisoned with cyanide, the pH of the intermembrane space in cells is expected to increase because cyanide inhibits cyanide c oxidase, halting the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation, thereby preventing the regular acidification that occurs during ATP synthesis, and leading to a decrease in ATP production.