DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis
- 4 pages
- For Official Use Only
- November 2010
(U) What are cyanides?
(U//FOUO) Cyanides are among the most likely compounds terrorists would use in a chemical attack because of their toxicity, availability, and ease of crude dissemination. They can exist in multiple forms:
• Sodium cyanide (NaCN) – white/yellow solid.
• Potassium cyanide (KCN) – white/yellow solid.
• Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) – colorless gas with almond-like odor.
• Cyanogen chloride (CNCl) – colorless gas/liquid with acrid, choking odor.…
(U) How can cyanides be used in attacks?
(U//FOUO) Salts and liquids: Added to food, beverages, or water supplies, placed on surfaces as a skin contact poison, or disseminated in mail.
(U//FOUO) Gases: Using an improvised chemical device to disseminate in an indoor location such as in public transportation or other public venues.
…
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