If I cut a prunus laurocerasus twig, stem or branch will this release HCN?

Subject: If I cut a prunus laurocerasus twig, stem or branch will this release HCN?

Date: Thu Oct 20 05:44:46 2005
Posted by Barbara Weightman
Grade level: undergrad School: No school entered.
City: No city entered. State/Province: No state entered. Country: No country entered.
Area of science: Botany
ID: 1129812286.Bt

Message:


I have studied this plant.  I was also concerned to find out that it grows at 
the back of our garden!  When pruning, ie cutting stems and branches will this 
release HCN.  Or does it only get released when water is added?  How long does 
the cyanide take to form once a stem is cut?  I have heard of some people who 
put branches in their car to take to a disposal site and suffered from HCN 
inhalation.

Re: If I cut a prunus laurocerasus twig, stem or branch will this release HCN?

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