International Chemical Safety Cards

CALCIUM CYANIDE

ICSC: 0407

Calcyanide
Calcyan
C₂CaN₂ / Ca(CN)₂
Molecular mass: 92.1

ICSC #    0407
CAS #     592-01-8
RTECS # EW0700000
UN #        1575
EC #         020-002-00-5
November 27, 1998 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Not combustible but forms flammable gas on contact with water or damp air. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with water, carbon dioxide, acid(s). NO contact with hot surfaces.	Powder, dry sand, NO hydrous agents. NO water. NO carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION

EXPOSURE		STRICT HYGIENE!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION	Chest tightness. Confusion. Convulsions. Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Laboured breathing. Nausea. Shortness of breath. Unconsciousness. Vomiting. Weakness. Red coloration of the skin.	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.
•SKIN	MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain. (Further see Inhalation).	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention. Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. See Notes.
•EYES	Redness. Pain.	Safety spectacles, face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION	Burning sensation in the throat and chest. (Further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention. See Notes.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Prevent contact with water or moist substances. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.

Fireproof. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from strong oxidants, acids, food and feedstuffs . Dry. Well closed.

Airtight. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Marine pollutant.
T+ symbol
N symbol
R: 28-32-50/53
S: 1/2-7/8-23-36/37-45-60-61
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Packing Group: I

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0407

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

CALCIUM CYANIDE

ICSC: 0407

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS CRYSTALS OR WHITE POWDER , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating above 350°C, producing toxic fumesincludingnitrogen oxidesandhydrogen cyanide. Reacts violently with water, moist air, carbon dioxide, acids and acid salts producing highly toxic and flammable hydrogen cyanide. Reacts violently when heated with oxidizing substances causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: (as CN) 5 mg/mł (Ceiling value); (skin); (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: (as CN, inhalable fraction) 2 mg/mł; H;
Peak limitation category: (II1); Pregnancy risk group: IIc;
(DFG 2004).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes , the skin and the respiratory tract . The substance may cause effects on the intracellular oxygen metabolism , resulting in seizures and unconsciousness. Exposure may result in death.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Decomposes below melting point at >350°C
Density: 1.8 g/cm3

Solubility in water:
reaction

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms.

N O T E S

Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. No odour warning if toxic concentrations are present. Do NOT take working clothes home. Card has been partly updated in October 2004. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61GT5-I-Cy

NFPA Code: H 3; F 0; R 0.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0407	CALCIUM CYANIDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.