AEMCA Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of a chemical asphyxiate?

1. Ozone

2. Hydrogen cyanide

3. Carbon dioxide

4. Acetone

The correct answer is: Hydrogen cyanide

Hydrogen cyanide is classified as a chemical asphyxiate because it interferes with the blood's ability to carry oxygen by binding to cytochrome c oxidase, an important enzyme in the electron transport chain. This mechanism prevents cells from using oxygen effectively, leading to cellular asphyxiation. While the body may have adequate oxygen levels, the presence of hydrogen cyanide disrupts its utilization, which can result in rapid and severe physiological effects. In contrast, ozone, carbon dioxide, and acetone do not fit the definition of chemical asphyxiates in the same way. Ozone is primarily an irritant and can cause respiratory issues, while carbon dioxide, although capable of causing asphyxiation in very high levels due to displacement of oxygen, acts more as a simple asphyxiant rather than a chemical asphyxiate. Acetone is a solvent that may have toxic effects, but it does not interfere directly with the metabolic processes involved in oxygen utilization in the manner that hydrogen cyanide does.