International Chemical Safety Cards

POTASSIUM CYANIDE ICSC: 0671
POTASSIUM CYANIDE
KCN
Molecular mass: 65.1
CAS # 151-50-8
RTECS # TS8750000
ICSC # 0671
UN # 1680
EC # 006-007-00-5
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 and 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. Artificial respiration if indicated. Avoid mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• MAY BE ABSORBED! Burning sensation. Pain. Skin burns. (See Inhalation).
    		Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
    		Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
  • EYES
    		• Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.
    		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. Refer for medical attention.
    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into dry sealable containers, then remove to safe place. Never direct contact with water (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Separated from acids, food and feedstuffs. Dry. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
    		Airtight. Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
    T+ symbol
    R: 26/27/28-32
    S: (1/2-)7-28-29-45
    Note: A
    UN Hazard Class: 6.1
    UN Packing Group: I
    Marine pollutant.
    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 © IPCS CEC 1993

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    POTASSIUM CYANIDE ICSC: 0671

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

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The substance decomposes on contact with water, humidity, carbon dioxide and acids, producing very toxic hydrogen cyanide gas. The solution in water is a strong base, it reacts violently with acid and is corrosive.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV (as CN): ppm; 5 mg/m3 (ceiling values) (skin) (ACGIH 1997).
    MAK as CN: ppm; 5 mg/m3; H (1996).


    		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.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure may result in death. Medical observation is indicated.

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Boiling point: 1625░C
    Melting point: 634░C
    		 Relative density (water = 1): 1.52
    Solubility in water, g/100 ml: 71.6
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
         		This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to water.
    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. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Do NOT take working clothes home.
    Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-627
    NFPA Code: H3; F0; R0;
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0671 POTASSIUM CYANIDE
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of 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.