As the fire and homicide investigation continues, officials say several firefighters were exposed to cyanide gas in two separate incidents as they were mopping up hot spots near the small city of Acton on the northern edge of the massive blaze.
.... Authorities do not have an idea where the cyanide came from.Sunday, September 6, 2009
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hydrogen cyanide gas is commonly found in smoke, including tobacco smoke. Some substance are more likely to release HCN while burning, plastic such as butyle, green wood, vernish, etc...
It could be also release from contact of a cyanide alkali with acid substance, but that type of incident is unlikely to occur during a fire.
HCN is slitghly lighter then air, to get poisoned into a closed space is not surprising, into an open space it is more uncommon.
I am surprised that someone in charge of firefighters don't know that the HCN is likely coming from the burning smoke; It is common knowledge.
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