Sodium azide poisoning in five laboratory technicians

Abstract

ABSTRACT Five laboratory technicians accidentally ingested sodium azide, in quantities varying from 20 to 80 mg, in tea made from distilled water kept in a laboratory. Four had short-lived symptoms of dizziness, pounding heart, and faintness, while another developed a picture of myocardial ischaemia. He had further episodes of chest pains necessitating admission to hospital. These later symptoms were thought to be psychogenic in origin.