Which odor is characteristic of cyanide exposure?

• A. Bitter almonds
• B. Rotten eggs
• C. Garlic
• D. Maple syrup

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is the classic odor associated with cyanide exposure. Cyanide is traditionally described as having a bitter almond smell, which is why this option is chosen. This scent is a helpful cue, but it isn’t universal—some people cannot detect it, and high exposure can dull the sense of smell—so you should not rely on it alone for diagnosis. The other odors point to different toxic exposures: rotten eggs suggests sulfur compounds like hydrogen sulfide; garlic odor can appear with other toxicants or metabolic conditions; maple syrup odor is linked to maple syrup urine disease or related metabolic disorders. So, bitter almonds is the best match for cyanide exposure.