International Chemical Safety Cards

CALCIUM CYANIDE ICSC: 0407

CALCIUM CYANIDE
Calcid
Calcyanide
Calcyan
C2CaN2/Ca(CN)2
Molecular mass: 92.1
CAS # 592-01-8
RTECS # EW0700000
ICSC # 0407
UN # 1575
EC # 020-002-00-5
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.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with water, carbon dioxide, acids. 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
    		• Burning sensation. Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Red colouration of the skin. Laboured breathing. Nausea. Shortness of breath. Unconsciousness. Vomiting. Convulsions. Coma. Death.
    		Local exhaust or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.
  • SKIN
    		• MAY BE ABSORBED! Skin burns. Pain. Itching. Papules (further see Inhalation).
    		Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
    		Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.
  • EYES
    		• Pain. Blurred vision. Possible permanent loss of vision. Severe deep burns.
    		Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this chemical.
    		First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
  • INGESTION
    		• Confusion. Burning sensation in the mouth. Numbness or tightness in throat. Salivation. Convulsions followed by paralysis (further see Inhalation).
    		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
    		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 (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, acids, food and feedstuffs. Cool. Dry. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
    		Airtight. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
    T symbol
    R: 28-32
    S: 7/8-23-36/37-45
    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 © IPCS CEC 1993 No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    CALCIUM CYANIDE ICSC: 0407

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

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The substance decomposes on heating above 350°C producing toxic fumes (hydrogen cyanide, nitrous oxides). Reacts violently with water, moist air, carbon dioxide, acids, acidic salts producing highly toxic and flammable hydrogen cyanide. Reacts violently when heated with nitrites, nitrates, chlorates and perchlorates.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV (as CN): ppm; 5 mg/m3 (skin) (ACGIH 1991-1992).


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

    INHALATION RISK:
     A harmful contamination of the air will be reached rather slowly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C when dispersed.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of the substance may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The substance may cause effects on the nervous system, blood, heart and respiratory tract. Exposure at high level may result in death.

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
     Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. May cause reproductive toxicity in humans.
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Decomposes below melting point at >350°C°C
    Relative density (water = 1): 1.85
    		 Solubility in water: reaction
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
         		This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to water, aquatic organisms, soil.
    NOTES
    Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. 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. Aero, Cyanogas are trade names.
    Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61G16
    NFPA Code: H 3; F 0; R 0;
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0407 CALCIUM CYANIDE
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    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 IDLH values.