Pediatric cyanide intoxication and death from an acetonitrile-containing cosmetic

Journal Article · Fri Dec 16 04:00:00 EST 1988 · JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Association; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.260.23.3470· OSTI ID:5512704

Caravati, E M; Litovitz, T L ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake City (USA)

Two cases of pediatric accidental ingestion of an acetonitrile-containing cosmetic are reported. One of the children, a 16-month-old boy, was found dead in bed the morning after ingesting the product. No therapy had been undertaken, as the product was mistakenly assumed to be an acetone-containing nail polish remover. The second child, a 2-year-old boy, experienced signs of severe cyanide poisoning, but survived with vigorous supportive care. Both children had blood cyanide levels in the potentially lethal range. The observed delayed onset of severe toxic reactions supports the proposed mechanism of acetonitrile conversion to inorganic cyanide via hepatic microsomal enzymes. Physicians and poison centers should be alerted to the existence of this highly toxic product, sold for removal of sculptured nails and likely to be confused with the less toxic acetone-containing nail polish removers. The authors urge regulatory agencies to reconsider the wisdom of marketing a cosmetic that poses such an extreme health hazard.

• OSTI ID: 5512704
• Journal Information: JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Association; (USA), Journal Name: JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Association; (USA) Vol. 260:23; ISSN 0098-7484; ISSN JAMAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACETONITRILE
AGE GROUPS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BLOOD CHEMISTRY
CHILDREN
CONSUMER PRODUCTS
CYANIDES
INGESTION
INTAKE
NITRILES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
SOLVENTS