Cyanide can be found in the natural world in cassava, lima beans, almonds, and in the pits or seeds of apricots, apples, and peaches. Except for cassava, all of these foods contain only tiny amounts of cyanide and cannot hurt you unless large amounts of these foods are consumed. Cassava, a starchy root, is the staple food source for half a billion people worldwide, but if not properly prepared, it can result in severe cyanide poisoning. Cyanide is also found in cigarette smoke, and is just one of the dangers of smoking. It is also a product of combustion of synthetic materials such as plastics.