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.