HC Deb 04 March 1981 vol 1000 c126W
Sir David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if there is any way known to his medical advisers of reducing the inevitability of death to those who breathe hydrogen cyanide fumes arising from burning polyurethane.

Sir George Young

No. Exposure to hydrogen cyanide fumes arising from burning polyurethane does not inevitably cause death. The risk of death from hydrogen cyanide poisoning depends on the length of exposure and the concentration of the fumes. A lethal outcome can only be avoided by rapidly discontinuing exposure.