ICSC 0671 - POTASSIUM CYANIDE

[List of Chemicals] [Risk Notes] [Risk Phrases] [Safety Phrases] [Danger Symbols]

POTASSIUM CYANIDE

ICSC: 0671
_{May 2003}

Hydrocyanic acid, potassium salt

CAS No: 151-50-8
RTECS No: TS8750000
UN No: 1680
EC No: 006-007-00-5

KCN
Molecular mass: 65.1

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

EMERGENCY RESPONSE	SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61S1680 NFPA Code: H3; F0; R0	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.

IMPORTANT DATA

Physical State; Appearance
HYGROSCOPIC CRYSTALS OR SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS, WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. ODOURLESS WHEN DRY.

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/m³; (Ceiling value); (skin); (ACGIH 2005).
MAK: (Inhalable fraction) 2 mg/m³; skin absorption (H); Peak limitation category: II(1); Pregnancy risk group: C; (DFG 2004).

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	ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 1625°C Melting point: 634°C Density: 1.52 g/cm³ Solubility in water, g/100 ml: 71.6	The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms.

NOTES

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.
The cards has been partly updated in April 2005. See sections Environmental Data, Occupational Exposure Limits.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004

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