CYANIDE IN WELL WATER - Cyanide is well-known as a poison - short-term health problems can include neurological effects such as rapid breathing and tremors. Long-term exposure to cyanide can cause nerve damage, thyroid problems, and weight loss. Cyanide can be removed from drinking water by reverse osmosis and ion exchange. Reverse osmosis works by forcing the water through a membrane that allows water molecules to pass through but blocks larger ions, such as ones associated with iron, lead and cyanide. Ion exchange filters work by removing cyanide ions by adsorbing them onto special resins - Cyanide is notorious in popular fiction as a deadly poison used for both homicide and suicide. This is based on a history of actual malicious use of its highly toxic properties, including the use of cyanide in chemical weapons in World War I. Humans can tolerate low-levels of exposure to cyanide, and not all compounds containing cyanide are toxic. Cyanide is a toxic ion that contains both carbon and nitrogen. It occurs naturally in many different plants and is contained in many types of food, including several vegetables commonly eaten in the U.S. It is often associated with industrial activity such as metal finishing, steel mills, and ore refining. Cyanide has also been used in pesticides. Cyanide tend to migrate easily through soils under certain chemical conditions, and cyanide may leach into groundwater.

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Cyanide in Well Water

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Cyanide is well-known as a poison - short-term health problems can include neurological effects such as rapid breathing and tremors. Long-term exposure to cyanide can cause nerve damage, thyroid problems, and weight loss. Cyanide can be removed from drinking water by reverse osmosis and ion exchange. Reverse osmosis works by forcing the water through a membrane that allows water molecules to pass through but blocks larger ions, such as ones associated with iron, lead and cyanide. Ion exchange filters work by removing cyanide ions by adsorbing them onto special resins

FilterWater.com

 

Cyanide is notorious in popular fiction as a deadly poison used for both homicide and suicide.

This is based on a history of actual malicious use of its highly toxic properties, including the use of cyanide in chemical weapons in World War I.

However, humans can tolerate low-levels of exposure to cyanide, and not all compounds containing cyanide are toxic.

“Cyanide compounds tend to migrate easily through soils under certain chemical conditions, and cyanide may leach into groundwater.”

Cyanide is a toxic ion that contains both carbon and nitrogen.

It occurs naturally in many different plants and is contained in many types of food, including several vegetables commonly eaten in the U.S.

It is often associated with industrial activity such as metal finishing, steel mills, and ore refining.

Billions of tons of cyanide are produced each year through industrial processes. Cyanide has also been used in pesticides.

Cyanide compounds tend to migrate easily through soils under certain chemical conditions, and cyanide may leach into groundwater.

Cyanide can contaminate groundwater from a number of different types of sources, such as industrial use of cyanides, cyanide wastes leaching from landfills, cyanide-containing pesticides, and even cyanide-containing road salts.

Cyanide and Human Health

Cyanide is well-known as a poison, and a lethal does in humans is between 50 and 200 milligrams (mg).

In smaller doses, short-term health problems can include neurological effects such as rapid breathing and tremors.

Long-term exposure to cyanide can cause nerve damage, thyroid problems, and weight loss.

For drinking water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) and maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) for cyanide of 0.2 milligrams per liter (mg/L or parts per million) in municipal water supplies.

The MCLG is the level of cyanide in drinking water at which no adverse health risks are likely to occur, with an adequate margin of safety.

Detection of cyanide in water requires chemical testing.

Interesting fact: Much of the cyanide that is produced is used for mining of gold and silver.

How to Remove Cyanide from Drinking Water

Cyanide can be removed from drinking water by reverse osmosis and ion exchange.

Reverse osmosis works by forcing the water through a membrane that allows water molecules to pass through but blocks larger ions, such as ones associated with iron, lead and cyanide.

Small reverse osmosis systems (called point-of-use systems) in homes are usually located near the kitchen sink.

Reverse osmosis systems are cost-effective, and originally were able to only produce a few gallons of treated water each day.

Recent advancements in membrane elements allow newer systems to produce 100 gallons or even more per day.

Keep in mind that the taste of the water can be affected by the removal of the minerals.

Ion exchange filters work by removing cyanide ions by adsorbing them onto special resins designed for removing cyanide.

This removal takes place in filter cartridges that may be part of point-of-use systems (near the kitchen sink), or it can take place in point-of-entry systems that treat all water entering the house.

The filters in filtration systems need to be replaced or regenerated periodically to maintain their effectiveness over time .

Our company was created with the goal to provide clean drinking water along with best overall customer experience, and promote healthy lifestyle and clean water supply. We are happy to offer our customers best water testing and water purification products on the market at a guaranteed low price.

We are proud to be partnered with an ISO-9001 certified manufacturer where we have an ability to custom-build residential and commercial Water Filter Systems for most water problems.

https://www.filterwater.com/t-cyanide.aspx

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WHAT MAKES LEAD POISONOUS – You are exposed to trace amounts of lead every day. People have been using lead in their daily lives for a long time. The Romans made pewter dishes and pipes for water from lead. While lead is a very useful metal, is also poisonous. The effects of poisoning from lead leaching into liquids may have contributed to the fall of the Roman empire. Lead exposure didn't end when lead-based paint and leaded gasoline were phased out. It is still found in the insulation coating electronics, leaded crystal, storage batteries, on the coating of some candles wicks, as certain plastics stabilizers, and in soldering. Lead is toxic mainly because it preferentially replaces other metals in biochemical reactions. It interferes with the proteins that cause certain genes to turn on and off by displacing other metals in the molecules. This changes the shape of the protein molecule such that it can't perform its function. Research is ongoing to identify which molecules bind with lead. Some of the proteins known to be affected by lead regulate blood pressure, (which can cause developmental delays in children and high blood pressure in adults), heme production (which can lead to anemia), and sperm production (possibly implicating lead in infertility). Lead displaces calcium in the reactions that transmit electrical impulses in the brain, which is another way of saying it diminishes your ability to think or recall information. Paracelsus' was a self-proclaimed alchemist in the 1600s believed that all things have curative and poisonous facets. Many substances are non-toxic or even essential in trace amounts, yet poisonous in larger quantities.

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What Makes Lead Poisonous

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

People have been using lead in their daily lives for a long time.

The Romans made pewter dishes and pipes for water from lead.

While lead is a very useful metal, is also poisonous. 

The effects of poisoning from lead leaching into liquids may have contributed to the fall of the Roman empire.

Lead exposure didn't end when lead-based paint and leaded gasoline were phased out.

It is still found in the insulation coating electronics, leaded crystal, storage batteries, on the coating of some candles wicks, as certain plastics stabilizers, and in soldering.

You are exposed to trace amounts of lead every day.

What Makes Lead Poisonous

Lead is toxic mainly because it preferentially replaces other metals (e.g., zinc, calcium and iron) in biochemical reactions.

It interferes with the proteins that cause certain genes to turn on and off by displacing other metals in the molecules.

This changes the shape of the protein molecule such that it can't perform its function.

Research is ongoing to identify which molecules bind with lead.

Some of the proteins known to be affected by lead regulate blood pressure, (which can cause developmental delays in children and high blood pressure in adults), heme production (which can lead to anemia), and sperm production (possibly implicating lead in infertility).

Lead displaces calcium in the reactions that transmit electrical impulses in the brain, which is another way of saying it diminishes your ability to think or recall information.

No Amount of Lead Is Safe

Paracelsus' was a self-proclaimed alchemist in the 1600s and pioneered the use of minerals in medical practices.

He believed that all things have curative and poisonous facets.

Among other things, he believed lead had curative effects in low doses, but monitoring dosage doesn't apply to lead. 

Many substances are non-toxic or even essential in trace amounts, yet poisonous in larger quantities.

You need iron to transport oxygen in your ​red blood cells, yet too much iron can kill you.

You breathe oxygen, yet again, too much is lethal.

Lead isn't like those elements. It's simply poisonous.

Lead exposure of small children is a main concern because it can cause developmental issues, and kids engage in activities that increase their exposure to the metal (e.g., putting things in their mouths, or not washing their hands).

There is no minimum safe exposure limit, in part because lead accumulates in the body.

There are government regulations regarding acceptable limits for products and pollution because lead is useful and necessary, but the reality is, any amount lead is too much.

Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Chemistry Expert

Education

Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville

B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College

Introduction

Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville - Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Science educator with experience teaching chemistry, biology, astronomy, and physics at the high school, college, and graduate levels.

ThoughtCo and About Education chemistry expert since 2001.

Widely-published graphic artist, responsible for printable periodic tables and other illustrations used in science.

Experience

Anne Helmenstine, Ph.D. has covered chemistry for ThoughtCo and About Education since 2001, and other sciences since 2013. She taught chemistry, biology, astronomy, and physics at the high school, college, and graduate levels. She has worked as a research scientist and also abstracting and indexing diverse scientific literature for the Department of Energy.

In addition to her work as a science writer, Dr. Helmenstine currently serves as a scientific consultant, specializing in problems requiring an interdisciplinary approach. Previously, she worked as a research scientist and college professor.

Education

Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a B.A. in physics and mathematics with a minor in chemistry from Hastings College. In her doctoral work, Dr. Helmenstine developed ultra-sensitive chemical detection and medical diagnostic tests.

ThoughtCo and Dotdash

ThoughtCo is a premier reference site focusing on expert-created education content. We are one of the top-10 information sites in the world as rated by comScore, a leading Internet measurement company. Every month, more than 13 million readers seek answers to their questions on ThoughtCo.

For more than 20 years, Dotdash brands have been helping people find answers, solve problems, and get inspired. We are one of the top-20 largest content publishers on the Internet according to comScore, and reach more than 30% of the U.S. population monthly. Our brands collectively have won more than 20 industry awards in the last year alone, and recently Dotdash was named Publisher of the Year by Digiday, a leading industry publication.

https://www.thoughtco.com/what-makes-lead-poisonous-607898

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DANGER OF THE OLEANDER - Though often grown as an ornamental, all parts of the plant contain poisonous cardiac glycoside toxins that interfere with the functioning of the heart if ingested. All parts of the oleander shrub are poisonous, from the nectar in the flowers to the stems, twigs and leaves. Water in a vase that has held oleander flowers is toxic, and honey produced by bees that have visited the shrub may also be toxic. Burning any part of the plant will result in smoke that can cause respiratory problems. The sap will often lead to skin rashes. Oleander poisoning can cause a range of symptoms, including but not limited to blurred vision, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain and nausea. People poisoned by an oleander may feel confused, dizzy or weak, with a slow or irregular heartbeat and a feeling of weakness. Extremities eventually become cold, and the person may tremble, collapse and fall into a coma. Death may follow. Toxins are especially dangerous for the very young and elderly.

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Danger of the Oleander

Michelle Wishhart

Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a flowering evergreen member of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) that grows easily in sunny, well-drained sites in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 10.

Though often grown as an ornamental, all parts of the plant contain poisonous cardiac glycoside toxins that interfere with the functioning of the heart if ingested.

Call the National Poison Control Center immediately if you suspect poisoning in yourself or someone else.

Toxicity

All parts of the oleander shrub are poisonous, from the nectar in the flowers to the stems, twigs and leaves.

Water in a vase that has held oleander flowers is toxic, and honey produced by bees that have visited the shrub may also be toxic.

Burning any part of the plant will result in smoke that can cause respiratory problems.

The sap will often lead to skin rashes. Oleander has not been proven to cause allergies, though some people dislike the fragrance of the flowers.

Symptoms

Oleander poisoning can cause a range of symptoms, including but not limited to blurred vision, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain and nausea.

People poisoned by an oleander may feel confused, dizzy or weak, with a slow or irregular heartbeat and a feeling of weakness.

Extremities eventually become cold, and the person may tremble, collapse and fall into a coma. Death may follow.

Toxins are especially dangerous for the very young and elderly, according to the University of Nevada.

Pets

Curious pets may nibble on the plant, with potentially fatal consequences.

Symptoms of poisoning in a cat or dog resemble symptoms in humans and may include drooling, vomiting, abnormal heart rate, trembling and seizures, according to the Pet Poison Helpline.

If poisoning is suspected, the University of Nevada recommends calling a veterinarian immediately and keeping the pet as calm as possible to reduce stress on their heart.

The sooner your pet gets medical care, the better their chance of surviving.

Prevention

Oleanders in the home garden must be regarded with caution. Wear protective gloves and eyewear, as well as long sleeves and pants, when pruning or handling the shrub.

Never burn or mulch with oleander plant debris: dispose of it in a landfill.

The shrub may not be suitable for households with pets or children and should not be grown near vegetable gardens or livestock areas such as pastures and corrals.

Oleanders should be kept away from pathways and entryways where people could potentially brush up against it.

Michelle Wishhart is a writer based in Portland, Ore. She has been writing professionally since 2005, starting with her position as a staff arts writer for City on a Hill Press, an alternative weekly newspaper in Santa Cruz, Calif. An avid gardener, Wishhart worked as a Wholesale Nursery Grower at Encinal Nursery for two years. Wishhart holds a Bachelor of Arts in fine arts and English literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/danger-oleander-67061.html

WATER PURIFYING CHEMICALS - Drinking untreated water, which can contain various pathogens, can lead to illness ranging from mild gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to more severe illnesses like hepatitis, meningitis, and even death. Water purifying chemicals can be added to untreated water to kill harmful microorganisms (protozoa, bacteria, and viruses). They can be useful following a natural disaster that disturbs the supply of drinkable water or for people who are camping, hiking, or find themselves in remote areas where safe drinking water is not readily available. Water purifying chemicals available today are most commonly in the form of tablets, but they are also available in liquid drops or packaged powder. They contain either chlorine or iodine. These disinfectants act directly on harmful organisms to destroy them.

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Water Purifying Chemicals

Are Water Purifying Chemicals Safe?

Poison Control

The Bottom Line

Portable water purification chemicals are available in tablet, liquid, and powder form and contain the disinfectants iodine or chlorine.

They can be added to untreated water to kill harmful microorganisms and make the water safer to drink. Although generally safe, they can easily be mistaken for medications or candy.

The Full Story

Perhaps you are an adventurer hiking in the wilderness and realize you are out of bottled water.

There is a stream up ahead; you are quite thirsty and the water looks clean.

Or perhaps your town was just hit hard by a hurricane, disrupting and contaminating your water supply.

In situations like these, it is risky to drink untreated water. Portable water purifying products can come in handy and are marketed for use in these kinds of situations.

Drinking untreated water, which can contain various pathogens, can lead to illness ranging from mild gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to more severe illnesses like hepatitis, meningitis, and even death.

According to the Waterborne Disease and Outbreak Surveillance System (WBDOSS), in the United States during 2013-2014, 42 water-associated outbreaks were reported. These outbreaks resulted in at least 1006 cases of illness, 124 hospitalizations, and 13 deaths.

Water purifying chemicals can be added to untreated water to kill harmful microorganisms (protozoa, bacteria, and viruses) and make the water safer to drink.

They can be useful following a natural disaster that disturbs the supply of drinkable water or for people who are camping, hiking, or find themselves in remote areas where safe drinking water is not readily available.

Water purifying chemicals available today are most commonly in the form of tablets, but they are also available in liquid drops or packaged powder. They contain either chlorine or iodine.

Whether liquid, tablets, or powder, water purifying chemicals are added directly to untreated water, releasing the chlorine or iodine.

These disinfectants act directly on harmful organisms to destroy them.

Water purifying chemicals vary in their shelf-life, length of time required for them to fully dissolve and be effective, and the concentration of the active ingredient.

How well each chemical is able to destroy harmful pathogens and make untreated water truly safe to drink depends on multiple factors like the temperature, pH, cloudiness of the water, and how long the chemical is left to dissolve and fully take effect.

It is important to note that not all pathogens will be completely eliminated by these chemicals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), proper boiling of untreated water is the most effective technique, but this is often not practical.

Furthermore, water purifying chemicals do not rid the water of chemical contaminants like pesticides.

How safe are water purifying chemicals and can they be poisonous? When used correctly, water purifying chemicals are generally safe.

They themselves are a safety measure intended to be consumed, after all!

However, when in tablet form, they can easily be mistaken for medications, vitamins, or candy, and children who gain access to them can swallow them.

Water purifying chemicals are quite irritating.

When used inappropriately, excessively, or when swallowed whole, they lead to immediate irritation of the mouth, throat, and stomach causing symptoms such as burning and irritation in the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Iodine-based water purifiers can lead to more severe, delayed and body-wide effects especially when used over a prolonged period of time.

The risk of poisoning from water purifying chemicals depends on many different factors such as a patient's age and overall health and the amount and type of product swallowed.

Portable water purifying products have been around for many years and can be useful tools for reducing water-borne diseases.

Unintentional ingestions of these products can occur because they look very similar to edible items.

Keeping these products in their original packaging and separate from areas where food and medications are stored can help avoid unintentional exposures.

Another important poison-prevention tip is to pay close attention to and follow the directions for each product; the chemicals' safety and effectiveness depend on it.  

·          Store water purification chemicals out of reach and sight of children, preferably in cabinets with child-resistant closures.

·          Keep water purification chemicals in their original container and away from food or medicines.

·          Use water purification products only as directed by the manufacturer and for their intended purpose.

This Really Happened

A 13-month-old boy opened a bottle of water purifying liquid containing chlorine dioxide. Relatives who were visiting from overseas had brought it with them.

The boy's father was concerned that the boy might have swallowed some of it and called Poison Control for advice.

After interviewing the father, Poison Control determined that the boy would be able to tolerate the small amount he might have swallowed.

Since chlorine dioxide is quite irritating, the father was advised to give the child fluids to drink and to monitor for nausea, vomiting, and signs of mouth or throat irritation. Fortunately, no symptoms developed.

If you have any questions about water purifying products or if someone has been exposed to a water purifying chemical, check the webPOISONCONTROL^® online tool or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.

Serkalem Mekonnen, RN, BSN, MPH
Certified Specialist in Poison Information

Kristina Yee, BS, PharmD
Certified Specialist in Poison information

Poison Control tells you what to do if you swallow, splash, or get stung by something that might be harmful.

Use webPOISONCONTROL® online, or call. Both services are free and confidential.

https://www.poison.org/articles/are-water-purifying-chemicals-safe-183

TOXIC PLANTS AND CYANIDE - Cyanide Poisoning from Apples, Peaches, Cherries, Plums, etc. - Leaves and other parts of cherries, peaches, plums, apricots, almonds can be toxic if ingested. That's true of other members of the rose family as well (large family which includes roses, but also apples and pears). The plants produce cyanogenic glycosides which can lead to cyanide poisoning in people and animals if enough of the compound is ingested. Some leaves and wood contain relatively high levels of the cyanogenic compounds. Seeds and pits from these plants also contain the compounds, though you need to chew several of the seeds to get a dangerous exposure. If you swallow the odd seed or two, don't be concerned. Your body is well-equipped to detoxify low doses of cyanide. However, consult poison control if you suspect your child or pet (or farm animal) has eaten several seeds.

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Toxic Plants and Cyanide

Cyanide Poisoning from Apples, Peaches, Cherries, Plums, etc.

by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. 

The weather is nice, so I was out looking at trees and shrubs to add to my garden.

I noticed the tags on trees from the Prunus genus (cherries, peaches, plums, apricots, almonds) carried the warning that the leaves and other parts of the plant can be toxic if ingested.

That's true of other members of the rose family as well (large family which includes roses, but also apples and pears).

The plants produce cyanogenic glycosides which can lead to cyanide poisoning in people and animals if enough of the compound is ingested.

Some leaves and wood contain relatively high levels of the cyanogenic compounds.

Seeds and pits from these plants also contain the compounds, though you need to chew several of the seeds to get a dangerous exposure.

(This Letter to the Editor of American Family Physician cites references for fatalities from apple seeds and apricot kernels, in addition to other plants.)

If you swallow the odd seed or two, don't be concerned. Your body is well-equipped to detoxify low doses of cyanide. 

However, consult poison control if you suspect your child or pet (or farm animal) has eaten several seeds. 

If you're out camping and want sticks for roasting hotdogs and marshmallows, avoid using twigs from these plants.

Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Introduction

Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville - Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Science educator with experience teaching chemistry, biology, astronomy, and physics at the high school, college, and graduate levels.

ThoughtCo and About Education chemistry expert since 2001.

Widely-published graphic artist, responsible for printable periodic tables and other illustrations used in science.

Experience

Anne Helmenstine, Ph.D. has covered chemistry for ThoughtCo and About Education since 2001, and other sciences since 2013. She taught chemistry, biology, astronomy, and physics at the high school, college, and graduate levels. She has worked as a research scientist and also abstracting and indexing diverse scientific literature for the Department of Energy.

In addition to her work as a science writer, Dr. Helmenstine currently serves as a scientific consultant, specializing in problems requiring an interdisciplinary approach. Previously, she worked as a research scientist and college professor. 

Education

Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a B.A. in physics and mathematics with a minor in chemistry from Hastings College. In her doctoral work, Dr. Helmenstine developed ultra-sensitive chemical detection and medical diagnostic tests.

ThoughtCo and Dotdash

ThoughtCo is a premier reference site focusing on expert-created education content. We are one of the top-10 information sites in the world as rated by comScore, a leading Internet measurement company. Every month, more than 13 million readers seek answers to their questions on ThoughtCo.

For more than 20 years, Dotdash brands have been helping people find answers, solve problems, and get inspired. We are one of the top-20 largest content publishers on the Internet according to comScore, and reach more than 30% of the U.S. population monthly. Our brands collectively have won more than 20 industry awards in the last year alone, and recently Dotdash was named Publisher of the Year by Digiday, a leading industry publication.

https://www.thoughtco.com/cyanide-poisoning-from-fruit-3976045