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SODIUM CYANIDE ICSC: 1118
May 2003
Hydrocyanic acid, sodium salt PDF for printing Explanation of fields
CAS No: 143-33-9
RTECS No: VZ7525000
UN No: 1689
EC No: 006-007-00-5
    NaCN
Molecular mass: 49.01

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. 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 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. 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. See Notes.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! 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. Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. 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)-61S1689
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.

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
WHITE, HYGROSCOPIC CRYSTALLINE POWDER, 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 2003).
MAK: (Inhalable fraction) 2 mg/m³; Peak limitation category: II(1); skin absorption (H); 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: 1496°C
Melting point: 563.7°C
Density: 1.6 g/cm³
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 58
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.
Do NOT take working clothes home.
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested.
Never work alone in an area if hydrocyanic acid exposure is possible.
Card has been partly updated in April 2005. See section Occupational Exposure Limits.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety
WHO ILO UNEP EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information.

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