CALCIUM CYANIDE (ICSC)

CALCIUM CYANIDE	ICSC: 0407

Date of peer-review: November 1998

Calcyanide
Calcyan

CAS #

592-01-8

C₂CaN₂ / Ca(CN)₂

RTECS #

EW0700000

Molecular mass: 92.1

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. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	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	Chest tightness. Confusion. Convulsions. Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Laboured breathing. Nausea. Shortness of breath. Unconsciousness. Vomiting. Weakness. Red coloration of the skin.	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.
Skin	MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain. (Further see Inhalation).	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention. Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. See Notes.
Eyes	Redness. Pain.	Safety spectacles, 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 in the throat and chest. (Further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention. See Notes.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

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. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.

Airtight. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. Marine pollutant.
EU Classification
Symbol: T+
R: 28-32
S: (1/2-)7/8-23-36/37-45
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Pack Group: I

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

STORAGE

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61G16a. NFPA Code: H 3; F 0; R 0.

Fireproof. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from strong oxidants, acids, food and feedstuffs. Dry. Well closed.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 2001

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CALCIUM CYANIDE

ICSC: 0407

IMPORTANT DATA

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

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating above 350°C, producing toxic fumes including nitrogen oxides and hydrogen cyanide. Reacts violently with water, moist air, carbon dioxide, acids and acid salts producing highly toxic and flammable hydrogen cyanide. Reacts violently when heated with oxidizing substances causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.

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

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the intracellular oxygen metabolism, resulting in seizures and unconsciousness. Exposure may result in death.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Decomposes below melting point at >350°C
Density: 1.8 g/cm^3
Solubility in water: reaction

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms.

NOTES

Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. No odour warning if toxic concentrations are present. Do NOT take working clothes home.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the CEC nor 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

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations