40 CIRCULAR 6 3 5, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



When persons are working with hydrocyanic acid gas, one or 

 more of the following symptoms may indicate poisoning : 



1. Weakness, or palpitation, of the heart. 



2. Headache or dizziness. 



3. Rushing of blood to the head. 



4. Weakness or heavy feeling in the limbs and joints. 



5. Nausea and vomiting. 



6. Difficulty in breathing and contraction of the chest. 



7. Fainting and unconsciousness. 



Dangerous quantities of the gas can be obtained by inhaling it 

 in small amounts over an extended period or by absorption 

 through the skin. In the application of the gas and in the ventila- 

 tion of tobacco warehouses, operators should work in pairs. If 

 one begins to exhibit any of the above symptoms, the coworker 

 should render immediate assistance and remove the patient to the 

 outside. The affected person should be kept warm and in the open 

 air until the help of a physician can be obtained. He should not 

 be allowed to exercise, but should be kept as quiet as possible until 

 the symptoms have passed off. No hypodermic injections should 

 be given and no alcoholic stimulants or liquids should be admin- 

 istered by the mouth until the affected person is fully conscious. 



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