International Chemical Safety Cards

SODIUM CYANIDE ICSC: 1118
SODIUM CYANIDE
Hydrocyanic acid, sodium salt
NaCN
Molecular mass: 49.0
CAS # 143-33-9
RTECS # VZ7525000
ICSC # 1118
UN # 1689
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 open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with strong oxidants.
In case of fire in the surroundings: do not use carbon dioxide or acidic dry chemical extinguishers.
EXPLOSION Risk of fire and explosion on contact with strong oxidants.

In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water but NO direct contact with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.
 
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
INHALATION Confusion. Convulsions. Dizziness. Headache. Laboured breathing. Nausea. Shortness of breath. Unconsciousness. Vomiting. Weakness. asphyxiant. Anxiety. Irregular heart beat. Tightness in the chest.
Closed system and ventilation.
Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.
SKIN MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness (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.
EYES VAPOUR WILL BE ABSORBED! Redness (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 Salivation. Abdominal cramps. Burning sensation (further see Inhalation).
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
Consult an expert! Sweep spilled substance into sealable and labelled containers. Cautiously neutralize remainder with water containing some alkaline material such as sodium carbonate, then wash away with plenty of water. Cyanide spills should be cleaned up immediately. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
Separated from strong oxidants, acids, food and feedstuffs, carbon dioxide, water or products containing water. Dry. Well closed. 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
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Packing Group: I
Marine pollutant.
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
ICSC: 1118 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

SODIUM CYANIDE ICSC: 1118

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE DELIQUESCENT CRYSTALLINE POWDER. ODOURLESS (WHEN DRY) OR SLIGHT ODOUR OF HYDROCYANIC ACID (WHEN DAMP).

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic fumes (nitrogen oxides). The substance is a strong base, it reacts violently with acid and is corrosive to metals (aluminum and zinc). Reacts violently with strong oxidants such as nitrates and chlorates causing fire and explosion hazard. The substance decomposes in the presence of air, moisture or carbon dioxide producing highly toxic and flammable gas (hydrogen cyanide). Contact with acids and acids salts causes immediate formation of highly toxic and flammable hydrogen cyanide gas.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV (as CN): ppm; 5 mg/m3 (skin) (ACGIH 1991-1992).
PDK (as HCN): 0.3 mg/m3 (USSR 1984).


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

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

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Exposure may result in death. Medical observation is indicated. See Notes.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause enlargement of the thyroid gland.
PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES
Boiling point: 1496°C
Melting point: 564°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.6
Solubility in water: good (48 g/100 ml at 10°C)
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA
This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to fish. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment.
NOTES
Solutions of sodium cyanide readily dissolve gold and silver in presence of air. 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. Never work alone in an area if hydrocyanic acid exposure is possible. Cyanogram, Cymag are trade names.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-105 A
NFPA Code: H 3; F 0; R 0;
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ICSC: 1118 SODIUM 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.