Exposure to sodium cyanide can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the dose and route of exposure. The most common symptoms of sodium cyanide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, exposure to high doses of sodium cyanide can lead to respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death.
Because of its toxicity, Sodium Cyanide is regulated by strict safety standards and protocols. In the mining industry, sodium cyanide is used in a process called heap leaching, which involves spraying a cyanide solution onto a pile of crushed ore to extract gold. To ensure worker safety, strict protocols are in place to prevent accidental exposure to sodium cyanide, including the use of protective equipment such as respirators, gloves, and goggles, and the implementation of strict handling and storage procedures.