International Chemical Safety Cards

POTASSIUM CYANIDE

ICSC: 0671

Hydrocyanic acid, potassium salt
KCN
Molecular mass: 65.1

ICSC #    0671
CAS #     151-50-8
RTECS # TS8750000
UN #        1680
EC #         006-007-00-5
May 07, 2003 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 hydrous agents. NO water. NO carbon dioxide. In case of fire in the surroundings: foam , powder .
EXPLOSION			In case of fire: cool drums, etc., by spraying with water but avoid contact of the substance with water.

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION	Sore throat. Headache. Confusion. Weakness. Shortness of breath. Convulsions. Unconsciousness.	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. No mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration. Administer oxygen by trained personnel. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain. (Further see Inhalation).	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES	Redness. Pain. (Further see Inhalation).	Safety goggles , face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION	Burning sensation. Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. (See Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Wear protective gloves when inducing vomiting. No mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration. Administer oxygen by trained personnel. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Sweep spilled substance into dry sealable and labelled containers. Cautiously neutralize remainder with sodium hypochlorite solution. Then wash away with plenty of water. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.

Separated from strong oxidants, acids, food and feedstuffs , carbon dioxide, water , or products containing water. Dry. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

Airtight. Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Marine pollutant.
Note: A
T+ symbol
N symbol
R: 26/27/28-32-50/53
S: 1/2-7-28-29-45-60-61
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Packing Group: I

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0671

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

POTASSIUM CYANIDE

ICSC: 0671

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A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
HYGROSCOPIC CRYSTALS OR SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. ODOURLESS WHEN DRY.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes rapidly on contact with acids , and slowly on contact with water , moisture or carbon dioxide producing hydrogen cyanide (see ICSC 0492). The solution in water is a medium strong base.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: as CN 5 mg/mł; (Ceiling value); (skin); (ACGIH 2005).
MAK: (Inhalable fraction) 2 mg/mł; skin absorption (H);
Peak limitation category: II(1); Pregnancy risk group: C;
(DFG 2004).
OSHA PEL*: TWA 5 mg/m³ *Note: The PEL also applies to other cyanides (as CN) except Hydrogen
NIOSH REL: C 5 mg/m³ (4.7 ppm) 10-minute *Note: The REL also applies to other cyanides (as CN) except Hydrogen cyanide.
NIOSH IDLH: 25 mg/m³ (as CN)

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

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is severely irritating to the eyes , the skin and the respiratory tract . The substance may cause effects on the cellular respiration , resulting in convulsions and unconsciousness . Exposure may result in death. Medical observation is indicated. See Notes.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the thyroid .

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 1625°C
Melting point: 634°C
Density: 1.52
g/cmł

Solubility in water, g/100 ml: 71.6

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms.

N O T E S

The occupational exposure limit value should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. Do NOT take working clothes home. Never work alone in an area if hydrogen cyanide exposure is possible.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61S1680

NFPA Code: H3; F0; R0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0671	POTASSIUM 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.