Calcium cyanide

92.11

91.96870

209-740-0

0407

74784

1575

DTXSID6023941

Colorless crystals or white powder|Rhombohedric crystals or powder

2837199012

47.58000

0.03356

Calcium cyanide appears as white crystals or powder or gray-black powder (technical grade). Toxic by skin absorption through open wounds, by ingestion, and by inhalation.

1.8 g/cm³

1300 °C (sublm)

25.7ºC at 760 mmHg

>110°C

1.4544

soluble H2O, gradually releasing HCN [MER06]

Calcium cyanide is stored in tight containers free from moisture. Proper ventilation and protective equipment should be used while handling the solid or while preparing an aqueous solution. It is shipped in mild-steel or fiber drums.

740mmHg at 25°C

Oral-Rat  LD50: 39 mg/kg

Non-combustible substance; emit poisonous and flammable hydrogen cyanide gas in case of acid; produce toxic cyanide and calcium oxide fumes when heated

Odor of hydrogen cyanide

Gray-black /Technical/|Decomposes in moist air liberating hydrogen cyanide|Hygroscopic|Calcium cyanide does not melt but forms calcium cyanamide (CaCN2) on heating above 350 °C.|For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for CALCIUM CYANIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Water soluble with evolution of some hydrogen cyanide, a flammable poison gas. Release of gas is much more rapid if acid is present.

Cyanides, Inorganic

CALCIUM CYANIDE gives weakly acidic solutions. Contact with acids causes rapid evolution of hydrogen cyanide. Incompatible with isocyanates, nitrides, and peroxides. May react rapidly with oxidizing agents.

III

6.1(a)

1575

28-32-50/53

7/8-23-36/37-45-60-61

UF0690000

T+,N

Treasury is ventilated, low temperature and dry; stored separately from alkali, acid and food additives

P264, P270, P273, P301+P310, P321, P330, P391, P405, P501

H300

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.|Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number P021; D003, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.|Cyanide salts should not be flushed into any drain which may contain or subsequently receive acid waste. ... Cyanide process waste solutions and flushings from spills should be passed through a cyanide waste disposal system. /Cyanide salts/|Calcium cyanide is a poor candidate for incineration.|The cyanides are well known to be extremely toxic. Hydrogen cyanide /HCN/ is a gas, and calcium cyanide /CaCN2/ is a solid which releases HCN slowly in moist air or rapidly in acid: CaCN(2) should never be treated with acid in disposal. The cyanides are rapidly converted to the much less toxic cyanates by treatment with alkaline hypochlorite: CN- + ClO- --- pH 10-11.5 --- H2O ---> CNO- Cl-. This reaction forms the basis of the Manufacturing Chemists Association (USA) for the treatment of "package lots" of cyanide wastes: "Add with stirring to strong alkaline soln of calcium hypochlorite. Let stand 24 hr. Flush the cyanate down the drain with large excess of water." In fact, however, the cyanate is also oxidized in mild alkaline hypochlorite to carbon dioxide and nitrogen as shown by the equation: 2CNO- + 3ClO- + H2O --- pH 7.0-9.5 --- H20 ---> 2CO2 + N2 + 3Cl- + 2OH-. Thus the overall reaction for disposal of calcium cyanide with sodium hypochlorite would be: Ca(CN)2 + 6NaClO + H2O --- pH 9.5 ---> Ca(OH)2 + 6NaCl + 2CO2 + N2. Hydrogen cyanide is not persistent in the environment and very small amt of it could be disposed of alternatively by slow release to the atmosphere in a well ventilated outdoor location. Similarly very small amt of Ca(CN)2 could be disposed of by exposure to moist air followed by water dilution. Recommendable methods: Oxidation, landfill, & discharge to sewer. Peer-review: Cyanides can be incinerated either directly or after liberation of HCN by acid but unless extensive equipment is available this cannot be recommended. Acid treatment of cyanides liberates HCN. If this gas cannot be handled safely in properly designed equipment, acidification cannot be recommended. Alkaline oxidation of cyanide can be achieved with sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide. Depending on the cyanides present the product will be a sludge or soln which if sufficient reaction time has been allowed, will be largely free from free cyanide. Soluble cyanides can be reacted with alkaline ferrous sulfate (excess) and allowed to stand (stirred) several hr. The resulting sludge containing insoluble complex iron cyanides, will still contain small amt of free cyanide, but can be deposited in a landfill. Cyanide is efficiently destroyed in soln, by reaction with formaldehyde. (Peer-review conclusions of an IRPTC expert consultation (May 1985))

Reacts with water and acids evolving highly toxic hydrogen cyanide.|Calcium cyanide reacts with atmospheric moisture to release hydrogen cyanide ...|Hydrogen cyanide and mercury (II) cyanide: The cyanide, /mercury(II) cyanide/, is a friction-and impact-sensitive explosive and may initiate detonation of liquid hydrogen cyanide. Other metal cyanides are similar. /Metal cyanides/|Cyanide may react with carbon dioxide in ordinary air to form toxic hydrogen cyanide. /Cyanide/|For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for CALCIUM CYANIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Reviews of environmental effects of pollutants: V. CYANIDE, ORNL/EIS-81, EPA-600/1-78-027, October 1978|NIOSH; Criteria Document: Hydrogen Cyanide and Cyanide Salts (1976) DHEW Pub. NIOSH 77-108|Nat'l Research Council Canada; Effects of Cyanides on Aquatic Organisms with Emphasis Upon Fresh Water Fishes (1982) NRCC No.19246|DHHS/ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Cyanide (Update) TP-92/09 (1993)|For more Special Reports (Complete) data for CALCIUM CYANIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Decomposes in fire to give very toxic gases, including hydrogen cyanide. (USCG, 1999)|Not combustible but forms flammable gas on contact with water or damp air. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. See Chemical dangers|Reactive - 1st degree

|Danger|H300: Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]|P264, P270, P273, P301+P310, P321, P330, P391, P405, and P501|P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P310, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P307+P311, P312, P314, P321, P330, P337+P313, P403+P233, P405, and P501|Warning|H316: Causes mild skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]|P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P309+P311, P312, P332+P313, P337+P313, P403+P233, P405, and P501

Excerpt from ERG Guide 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above. FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]: ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. (ERG, 2016)

Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing, including rubber footwear. (USCG, 1999)|Self-contained breathing apparatus & full protective clothing, including rubber footwear.|Chemical safety goggles shall be worn by employees engaged in any operation wherein there is danger or likelihood that dusts or solutions of cyanide salts will come into contact with the eye. Full-length face shields with forehead protection shall be worn by employees engaged in any operation wherein there is danger or likelihood that dusts, molten salts, or solutions of cyanide salts may contact the face. /Cyanide salts/|Where skin can be exposed ... protective clothing, including impervious hand protection, should be provided. /Cyanides/|Use local exhaust.

Not flammable

Use powder, dry sand. NO hydrous agents. NO water. NO carbon dioxide.|Extinguish fire using agent suitable for surrounding fire. Approach fire from upwind to avoid hazardous vapors and toxic decomposition products. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.|Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers must not be used where cyanide salts are present. /Cyanide salts/|If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material ifself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Do not use water on meterial itself. If large quantities of combustibles are involved, use water in flooding quantities as spray and fog. Use water spray to knock-down vapors. /Calcium cyanide, solid/

Environmental considerations - Water spill: Add dilute caustic soda. Add calcium hypochlorite. Adjust pH to neutral (pH= 7). /Calcium cyanide, solid/|Environmental considerations - Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, or holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water. /Calcium cyanide, solid/|Spills of cyanide salts should be immediately and carefully cleaned up by shoveling the material into a proper container. Care must be exercised to minimize any dispersal of cyanide dust into the air. /Cyanide salts/|Waste cyanide salts from case hardening of steel are destroyed by reacting the salts at 650-700 °C with waste ferric hydroxide sludges from various sources. /Cyanide salts/|For more Cleanup Methods (Complete) data for CALCIUM CYANIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to airborne contaminants. Ensure that the local ventilation moves the contaminant away from the worker.|Persons who work with & around cyanide preparations should be given specific detailed instructions on management of cyanide poisoning. /Cyanide/|Food storage, preparation, and eating shall be prohibited in areas where hydrogen cyanide is used. Smoking and the carrying of tobacco and other smoking materials shall also be prohibited in these areas. Clean and sanitary lunchroom facilities, if provided, must be in non-exposure areas. ... Clothing-change and locker-room facilities shall be provided in a non-exposure area. Workers should be encouraged to shower after work and to change work clothing frequently. Showers and basin washing facilities shall be located in the locker-room area. /Hydrogen cyanide & cyanide salts/|All containers ... should be kept covered or in exhausted hood when not in use. Any process that may release hydrogen cyanide should be mechanically exhausted, with provision for higher rate during emergencies. Direct reading instruments for determination of hydrocyanic acid are available. /Cyanides/|For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for CALCIUM CYANIDE (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/GUIDE 157: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE/WATER -SENSITIVE)/ Health: TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns, or death. Reaction with water or moist air may release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases. Reaction with water may generate much heat which will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.|/GUIDE 157: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE/WATER -SENSITIVE)/ Fire or Explosion: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. For Un1796, UN1826, UN2031 at high concentrations and for UN2032, these may act as oxidizers, also consult GUIDE 140. Vapors may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars etc.). Substance may react with water (some violently), releasing corrosive and/or toxic gases and runoff. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water.|/GUIDE 157: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE/WATER -SENSITIVE)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate enclosed areas.|/GUIDE 157: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE/WATER -SENSITIVE)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible.|For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for CALCIUM CYANIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./|The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.|The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Irritating to skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-hr Time-Weighted Avg: 5 mg/cu m). Skin Designation. /Cyanides, as CN/

Recommended Exposure Limit: 15 Min Short-Term Exposure Limit: 4.7 ppm (5 mg/cu m). Skin. /Hydrogen cyanide/

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Prevent contact with water or moist substances.

Store only in original container. Separated from water, acids, carbon dioxide and food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Fireproof. Dry. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.

A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed.

The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the cellular respiration. This may result in convulsions and unconsciousness. Exposure could cause death. Medical observation is indicated.

The substance may have effects on the thyroid. This may result in impaired functions.

NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with water, carbon dioxide or acids. NO contact with hot surfaces.

AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!

Use local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves. Protective clothing.

Wear safety spectacles, face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.

P021; An acute hazardous waste when a discarded commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate.|D003; /SRP:/ A waste containing calcium cyanide may (or may not) be characterized a hazardous waste following testing for the reactivity characteristics as prescribed by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations.

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 10 lb or 4.54 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).

P021; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when calcium cyanide, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to federal and/or state hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any container or inner liner used to hold this waste or any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5(e)).|/SRP:/ D003; A solid waste containing calcium cyanide may become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to testing for reactivity as stipulated in 40 CFR 261.23, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste.

most toxic

LD50 Rat oral 22 mg CN-/kg as calcium cyanide|LD50 Rat oral 39 mg/kg

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Except for the more sensitive invertebrate species, such as Daphnia pulex and Gammarus pseudolimnaeus (scud), invertebrate species are usually more tolerant of cyanide than are freshwater fish species, which have most acute values clustered between 50 to 200 ug/L. A long-term survival and two life cycle test with fish gave chronic values of 7.9, 14, and 16 ug/L, respectively, with Gammarus pseudolimnaeus being comparable to fish in sensitivity and isopods being considerably more tolerant. /Free cyanide: HCN and CN-/

Workers with chronic diseases of kidneys, respiratory tract, skin, or thyroid are at greater risk of developing toxic cyanide effects than are healthy workers. /Cyanides/

Material containing cyanide compounds disposed of on land may lead to elevated levels of cyanide in underlying strata and in groundwater. /Cyanides/

AQUATIC FATE: The alkali metal salts are very soluble in water, and as a result, they readily dissociate into their respective anions and cations upon release to water. The resulting cyanide ion may then form hydrogen cyanide or react with various metals present in natural water. If the cyanide ion is present in excess, complex metallocyanides may form; however, if metals are prevalent, simple metal cyanides may form. /Alkali metal cyanides/

Calcium cyanide ... is readily hydrolyzed to hydrogen cyanide

Calcium cyanide was detected in one of 13,085 samples of foods collected in 10 state laboratories (CA, FL, IN, MA, MI, NC, NY, OR, VA, WI) over 1988 (0.007% samples positive); the concentration was below the tolerance limit. The compound was not detected in samples collected in 1989(1). Fumigation of greenhouses with 0.5 and 1.0 oz calcium cyanide followed by airing as recommended did not result in HCN residues on tomatoes. Amount of residues present on first day after fumigation was insignificant(2).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 3,606 workers (none of these were female) were potentially exposed to calcium cyanide in the US(1). The NOES Survey does not include farm workers. Occupational exposure to calcium cyanide may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where calcium cyanide is produced or used(SRC).|... SKIN ABSORPTION, INGESTION ... INHALATION ARE ROUTES OF ENTRY. /CYANIDES/|AMONG FUMIGATORS ... CYANIDE POISONING IS RECOGNIZED ... /CYANIDES/

Hydrogen cyanide is readily absorbed following inhalation, oral, and dermal exposure. Following exposure to cyanide in the atmosphere, toxic amounts of cyanide are absorbed with great rapidity through the bronchial mucosa and alveoli. Humans retained 58% of the hydrogen cyanide in the lungs after inhaling the gas through normal breathing /Hydrogen cyanide/.|Gastrointestinal absorption of inorganic cyanide salts is slower than pulmonary absorption, and the onset of symptoms is delayed and the severity of symptoms diminished compared with inhalation. When simple cyanide salts such as potassium and sodium cyanide are ingested, free cyanide ion can rapidly bind hydrogen ion to form hydrogen cyanide in the highly acidic medium of the stomach. Essentially all cyanide ingested as cyanide salts will form hydrogen cyanide and will be quickly absorbed. However, after oral intake, only part of the dose reaches the blood due to first-pass metabolism by the liver /cyanide salts/.|Liquid cyanide compounds are easily absorbed through intact skin upon direct contact due to their lipid solubility and rapid epidermal penetration. Skin absorption of vapors of hydrogen cyanide is also possible when the air concentrations are high. The amount and rate of absorption of cyanides from aqueous solutions or atmospheric hydrogen cyanide depend upon the presence of moisture in the skin, concentration and pH of the solution, the surface area of contact, and the duration of contact /hydrogen cyanide/.|Hydrogen cyanide has a pKa of 9.22; thus, at physiological pH (about pH 7), hydrocyanic acid is distributed in the body as hydrogen cyanide and is not present as the free cyanide ion. Hence, the form of cyanide to which exposure occurs, the salt or the free acid, does not influence distribution, metabolism, or excretion from the body. Inhaled or percutaneously absorbed hydrogen cyanide passes immediately into the systemic circulation. The distribution of cyanide to the various tissues is rapid and fairly uniform. Somewhat higher levels are generally found in the liver, lungs, blood, and brain. The tissue levels of hydrogen cyanide were 0.75, 0.42, 0.41, 0.33, and 0.32 mg/100 g of tissue in lung, heart, blood, kidney, and brain, respectively, in a man who died following inhalation exposure to hydrogen cyanide gas /hydrogen cyanide/.|For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for CALCIUM CYANIDE (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Cyanide can interact with substances such as methaemoglobin in the bloodstream, the majority of cyanide metabolism occurs within the tissues. Cyanide is metabolized in mammalian systems by one major route and several minor routes. The major route of metabolism for hydrogen cyanide and cyanides is detoxification in the liver by the mitochondrial enzyme rhodanese, which catalyses the transfer of the sulfane sulfur of thiosulfate to the cyanide ion to form thiocyanate. About 80% of cyanide is detoxified by this route. The rate-limiting step is the amount of thiosulfate. While rhodanese is present in the mitochondria of all tissues, the species and tissue distributions of rhodanese are highly variable. In general, the highest concentrations of rhodanese are found in the liver, kidney, brain, and muscle, but the supply of thiosulfate is limited. Rhodanese is present in rat nasal mucosal tissues, particularly in the olfactory region, at a 7-fold higher concentration (on a per milligram of mitochondrial protein basis) than in the liver. Dogs have a lower overall activity of rhodanese than monkeys, rats, and rabbits.|A number of sulfur transferases can also metabolize cyanide, and albumin, which carries elemental sulfur in the body in the sulfane form, can assist in the catalysis of cyanide to thiocyanate as well. Cyanide and thiocyanate can also be metabolized by several minor routes, including the combination of cyanide with hydroxycobalamin (vitamin B12a) to yield cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) and the non-enzymatic combination of cyanide with cystine, forming 2-iminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid, which appears to be excreted without further change.

The half-time for hydrogen cyanide elimination is about 1 hr.|Half-time values of the principal metabolite thiocyanate in humans have been reported as 4 hr, 2 days, and 2.7 days. In patients with renal insufficiency, a mean half-time of 9 days was reported.

Cyanide inhibits cellular respiration by blocking electron transfer from cytochrome oxidase to oxygen, causing tissue hypoxia and cell death. Low levels or low dose rates of cyanide are tolerated by detoxicfication by rhodanese to thiosulfate.|HCN (hydrogen cyanide) is a systemic poison that acts on the central nervous system. HCN interrupts cellular respiration by blocking electron transfer from cytochrome oxidase to oxygen. Tissue oxygen levels rise, resulting in increased tissue oxygen tension and decreased unloading for oxyhemoglobin. As a consequence, oxidative metabolism may slow to a point where it cannot meet metabolic demands. This is particularly critical in the brainstem nuclei where lack of an energy source results in central respiratory arrest and death. Cyanide can inhibit many other enzymes, particularly those that contain iron or copper, but cytochrome oxidase appears to be the most sensitive enzyme. Cyanide also stimulates the chemoreceptors of the carotid and aortic bodies to produce a brief period of hyperpnea. Cardiac irregularities may occur, but death is due to respiratory arrest. Brain lesions have been associated with exposure of animals to high concentrations of HCN. /Hydrogen cyanide/|As a respiratory poison, free cyanide (hydrogen cyanide or cyanide ion) has high acute toxicity due to its primary toxic effect of inhibiting cytochrome oxidase (by binding heme iron), the terminal enzyme of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Tissue utilization of oxygen is impaired, and, with time, a state of histotoxic anoxia occurs (oxidative metabolism is brought to complete cessation). Cyanide can also inhibit approximately 40 enzymes, including a number of other important metalloenzymes containing, for the most part, iron, copper, or molybdenum (e.g., alkaline phosphatase, carbonic anhydrase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbic acid oxidase, xanthine oxidase, and succinic dehydrogenase); these reactions may also contribute to cyanide toxicity.|Cyanide has a very high affinity for iron in ferric state. When absorbed it reacts readily with ... iron of cytochrome oxidase in mitochondria; cellular respiration is thus inhibited & cytotoxic hypoxia results. Since utilization of oxygen is blocked, venous blood is oxygenated and is almost as bright red as arterial blood. Respiration is stimulated because chemoreceptive cells respond as they do to decreased oxygen. A transient stage of CNS stimulation with hyperpnea and headache is observed; finally there are hypoxic convulsions and death due to respiratory arrest. /Cyanide/|For more Mechanism of Action (Complete) data for CALCIUM CYANIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

GRADES or PURITY: 42% with 58% inert ingredients. May contain up to 3% calcium carbide.

Inhalation or ingestion causes headache, nausea, vomiting and weakness; high concentrations are rapidly fatal. (USCG, 1999)

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas. INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing. INGESTION: If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Generally, the induction of vomiting is NOT recommended outside of a physician's care due to the risk of aspirating the chemical into the victim's lungs. However, if the victim is conscious and not convulsing and if medical help is not readily available, consider the risk of inducing vomiting because of the high toxicity of the chemical ingested. Ipecac syrup or salt water may be used in such an emergency. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

Administration of oxygen may be needed. Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. No mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration. Refer immediately for medical attention.

Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer immediately for medical attention .

Rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention.

/SRP: For patients treated with nitrites:/ Measurement of methemoglobin may be useful for assessing exposure. However, methemoglobin levels may be artificially low if not analyzed within a few hours after drawing the blood. Methemoglobin levels have been found to correlate with clinical symptoms in most cases. /Cyanide/|Immediate first aid: Remove patient from contact with the material. Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Cyanide and related compounds/|Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Administer amyl nitrite ampules as per protocol and physician order ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . /Cyanide and related compounds/|Advanced treatment: Consider Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Administer cyanide antidote kit as per protocol and physician order ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Cyanide and related compounds/|For more Antidote and Emergency Treatment (Complete) data for CALCIUM CYANIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ There are no qualitative differences in acute poisoning between cyanide compounds, since the cyanide ion is the common agent that primarily inhibits tissue cytochrome oxidase activity in rats, mice, and rabbits, with resulting anoxia. Although acute oral doses of cyanide cause cardiovascular, respiratory, and neuroelectric alterations, many studies have shown that the brain is the organ most sensitive to cyanide toxicity. Death from cyanide poisoning is believed to result from central nervous system depression, subsequent to inhibition of brain cytochrome oxidase activity. Typical signs of toxicity after inhalation of hydrogen cyanide in test species include rapid breathing, weak and ataxic movements, convulsions, loss of voluntary movement, coma, and decrease and irregularities in respiratory rate and depth preceding death.|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/The effects of acute cyanide exposure are dominated by central nervous system and cardiovascular disturbances. Typical signs of acute cyanide poisoning include tachypnea, headache, vertigo, lack of motor coordination, weak pulse, cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, stupor, convulsions, and coma. Pathological findings may include tracheal congestion with hemorrhage, cerebral and pulmonary edema, gastric erosions, and petechiae of the brain meninges and pericardium. Sequelae of severe acute cyanide exposure may also include Parkinson-like syndromes and cardiovascular signs of delayed posthypoxic myocardial lesions, as well as neuropsychiatric manifestations similar to those seen with post-hypoxic post-carbon monoxide encephalopathy.|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Chronic occupational exposure to hydrogen cyanide per se resulting in serious injury is rather rare. Symptoms of such poisonings include headache, dizziness, confusion, muscular weakness, poor vision, slurred speech, gastrointestinal tract disturbances, trauma, and enlarged thyroid.|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Massive doses may produce, without warning, sudden loss of consciousness and prompt death from respiratory arrest. With smaller but still lethal doses, the illness may be prolonged for 1 or more hours. Upon ingestion, a bitter, acrid, burning taste is sometimes noted, followed by a feeling of constriction or numbness in the throat. Salivation, nausea and vomiting are not unusual ... Anxiety, confusion, vertigo, giddiness, and often a sensation of stiffness in the lower jaw. Hyperpnea and dyspnea. Respirations become very rapid and then slow and irregular. Inspiration is characteristically short while expiration is greatly prolonged. The odor of bitter almonds may be noted on the breath or vomitus ... In the early phases of poisoning, an increase in vasoconstrictor tone causes a rise in blood pressure and reflex slowing of the heart rate. Thereafter, the pulse becomes rapid, weak, and sometimes irregular. ... A bright pink coloration of the skin due to high concentrations of oxyhemoglobin in the venous return may be confused with that of carbon monoxide poisoning. /Cyanide/|For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for CALCIUM CYANIDE (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

Headache. Weakness. Dizziness. Cough. Chest tightness. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Irregular heartbeat. Confusion. Convulsions. Unconsciousness.

MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Further see Inhalation.

Redness. Pain.

Commercial preparations contain 40-50% Ca(CN)2 /calcium cyanide/.|GRADES or PURITY: 42% with 58% inert ingredients. May contain up to 3% calcium carbide, which releases flammable acetylene gas when wet.|Crude calcium cyanide containing about 48-50% NaCN, is ... commonly called black cyanide and is marketed in flake form, as a powder, or as cast blocks under the trademarks Aero and Cyanogas of the American Cyanamid Company.

Calcium cyanide (Ca(CN)2): ACTIVE|The WHO Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard identifies calcium cyanide (technical grade) as Class IA: extremely hazardous; Main Use: fumigant.|... Pure solid calcium cyanide is unstable, and the commercial product can only be manufactured in amorphous form with a content of about 45 - 50% NaCN equivalent, known as black cyanide. As a solution, calcium cyanide is only sufficiently stable for commercial use at concentrations below 17%.|Liquid and solid calcium cyanide are only produced in South Africa, where they are used for the leaching of precious metals from ores.|Calcium cyanide solutions of about 15% concentration have been prepared for use in gold extraction in South Africa from hydrogen cyanide and lime.

Color reaction: Oxidation of hemoglobin to methemoglobin,|Colorimetric method: Pyridine-pyrazolone. /Total cyanide/|Seven methods for the analysis of simple cyanides have been investigated including: 1) An ion-exchange procedure; 2) A continuous flow distillation; 3) An EDTA electrode method; 4) The AISI aeration method; 5) An EDTA aeration method; 6) The modified Roberts-Jackson method; and 7) The EPA method for cyanides amenable to chlorination. Of all the seven procedures studied, the modified Roberts-Jackson method is the best. It gives complete recovery for all but one of the simple cyanides without decomposing the complex cyanides. ... It has the unique ability to perform accurately in the presence of both sulfide and thiocyanate. A lower limit of 2 ppb + or - 1 ppb is possible with a precision of + or - 10% above 10 ppb. ... The ligand-exchange procedure appears to be the most advantageous method of analysis of total cyanides. /Total cyanide/|Review which discusses the methods & limit of detections of cyanide in natural & treated waters, indust effluents, biologic fluids & solids: gas chromatography (25 ng/mL), fluorometry (1 ppb), ion-selective electrodes (25 ug/L) & absorption spectrophotometry (1-5 ug/L). /Total cyanide/|For more Analytic Laboratory Methods (Complete) data for CALCIUM CYANIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Cyanide may be liberated from biological fluids /blood, urine/ by acidification. The evolved cyanide is absorbed in alkali and sodium cyanide thus formed is quantitatively determined by measuring the absorbance of chromophores formed by interaction of the cyanide ion with suitable reagents ... /another/ procedure presents a senisitive gas chromatographic method for determination of cyanide in biological speciments, based on its conversion to cyanogen chloride using chloramine-T. /Total cyanide/|A fluorometric microdiffusion method is described for determining cyanide in biological fluids. This detection is based on the production of fluorescence by the treatment of CN with p-benzoquinone. /Cyanides/|Gas chromatographic determination of cyanides in biological specimens based upon its conversion to cyanogen chloride using chloramine-T (sodium p-toluene sulfonchloramide) is discussed. /Total cyanide/

Fire Hazards -> Reactive - 1st degree