Sodium azide: A review of biological effects and case reports

Abstract

This report reviews the biological effects and case reports of suicidal or accidental ingestion of, and occupational exposure to sodium azide. Ingested doses of sodium azide were estimated for the 6 survival and 4 fatal cases studied. The lowest dose among survival cases was 5~10mg. The patient reported headache, sweating, and faintness within approximately 5 minutes of ingestion. Four victims ingested 20 to 40 mg and recovered within 2 hours. However, a man who took 80 mg reported chest pain for 6 months after ingestion. The smallest doses among fatal cases were 0.7~0.8g for women and 1.2~2g for men. All victims suffered from hypotension, tachycardia, hyperventilation, diaphoresis, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. There is no antidote for sodium azide. Detoxicants for cyanide such as sodium nitrite or thiosulfate were tried, but were unfortunately, ineffective. Sodium nitrite may worsen the hypotension caused by sodium azide, and is not recommended. Occupational exposure to sodium azide is thought to be common, however, fatal exposure is rare. NIOSH 'Recommended Exposure Limits' for sodium azide is 0.3 mg/m3.