The two ‘C’s – cyanide and cassava
BY: V SIVAKUMAR
We all know that cyanide is dangerous. We’ve heard that it can kill, and we’ve seen it portrayed in movies—used to take lives instantly.
But how many of us have actually taken the time to understand what cyanide truly is, where it comes from, and how it causes harm?
I must admit, I was as clueless as many others. Like most people, I had heard about cyanide, but I had never really explored the facts behind it. Today, I came across an article on toxic substances, and there was a brief mention of cyanide.
That small section sparked my curiosity. I began reading more about it online, and although I didn’t go into deep scientific detail, I did gain some basic understanding.
Cyanide has a fascinating and chilling history. It has been used in warfare, in industry, and tragically, even in suicides and executions.
It is a compound that can be found in various sources—industrial waste, certain chemical reactions, and even in some plants.
What surprised me the most was learning that cassava root, a common food staple in many parts of the world, contains naturally occurring cyanide compounds. Yes, the very root that is used to make tapioca can be deadly if not prepared properly.
If cassava is consumed raw or not thoroughly processed, it can release hydrogen cyanide in the body, leading to serious health risks, especially in communities where cassava is a dietary staple.
Thankfully, traditional preparation methods—like soaking, drying, and cooking—help reduce the cyanide content and make it safe to eat.
One of the most alarming facts I learned is how fast cyanide can kill. When consumed in a concentrated form—such as potassium cyanide or hydrogen cyanide—death can occur within minutes.
In some cases, individuals may collapse within seconds and die in as little as 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the dose and method of exposure.
This is because cyanide stops the body’s cells from using oxygen, effectively causing internal suffocation. The heart and brain, which are highly oxygen-dependent, shut down rapidly.
This newfound knowledge has shifted my perspective.
What I once dismissed as just a ‘movie poison’ now appears as a real and potent threat with a complex background—even hidden in something as common as cassava.
I wanted to share this simple reflection with all of you. Sometimes, even a bit of general knowledge can be eye-opening.
I hope that by reading this, you too might learn something new about cyanide—something that could change the way you see it, just as it did for me.
V Sivakumar is Batu Gajah MP, Perak DAP vice chairman and MyCEB chairman.