Chronic cyanide poisoning from manioc emerges gradually with delayed symptoms.

Evidence

However, depending on the variety of manioc and the local ecological conditions, the tubers can contain high levels of cyanogenic glucosides, which release toxic hydrogen cyanide when the plant is eaten. If eaten unprocessed, manioc can cause both acute and chronic cyanide poisoning. Chronic poisoning, because it emerges only gradually after years of consuming manioc that tastes fine, is particularly insidious and has been linked to neurological problems, developmental disorders, paralysis in the legs, thyroid problems (e.g., goiters), and immune suppression. — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success, 319

Categorization

• DEFINE: Explains how bitter manioc varieties differ from sweet ones and why chronic poisoning is hard to detect.