1051 (anhydrous or solution >20%) 1613 (solution <20%)
Chemical Formula
HCN
Hazards
Toxic, flammable
PPE Considerations
Vapor protective garment with SCBA if below LEL, avoid contact.
Fire Fighting Considerations
Unstable HCN may explosively polymerize. Let small fires burn unless able to immediately stop leak. Extinguish with CO2, dry chemical or ATC-AFFF. Keep tanks cool with water streams.
Decontamination
Soap and water with adequate ventilation, forced ventilation for gas only contamination, remove contaminated garments
Detection and Monitoring
Colormetric, electrochemical sensors, 4/5-gas meter, IP – 13.6 eV
Chemical and Physical Properties
Physical State
Colorless or pale-blue liquid or gas (above 78°F) with a bitter, almond-like odor
Vapor Pressure
630 mm/Hg
Boiling Point
78oF
Vapor Density
.941
Specific Gravity
.69
Miscibility
Soluble
Flash Point
0oF
LEL/UEL
5.6-40%
Autoignition Temp
1000oF
Toxicity
IDLH
50 ppm
PEL/REL/STEL
10/4.7/4.7 ppm
LC50
160-501 ppm
pH
N/A (may form acid in solution)
Radioactive (Yes/No)
No
Medical
Toxicological Considerations
Toxic by all routes.
Signs/Symptoms of Exposure
Cardiac, respiratory, CNS
Medical Treatment
Treat symptomatically and administer antidote
Other Information
Toxic by all routes, extreme flammability hazard, may polymerize, reactive with following absorbents: Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents, Dirt/Earth
Chemical of the Week Part 2 - Hydrogen Cyanide
by Dave Donohue
Feb 2
Chemical of the Week – Part 2
Hazard Profile
Chemical Name and Pseudonyms
Hydrogen Cyanide, Formonitrile, Hydrocyanic Acid, Prussic Acid, Hydrocyanic Acid
UN Number
1051 (anhydrous or solution >20%) 1613 (solution <20%)
Chemical Formula
HCN
Hazards
Toxic, flammable
PPE Considerations
Vapor protective garment with SCBA if below LEL, avoid contact.
Fire Fighting Considerations
Unstable HCN may explosively polymerize. Let small fires burn unless able to immediately stop leak. Extinguish with CO2, dry chemical or ATC-AFFF. Keep tanks cool with water streams.
Decontamination
Soap and water with adequate ventilation, forced ventilation for gas only contamination, remove contaminated garments
Detection and Monitoring
Colormetric, electrochemical sensors, 4/5-gas meter, IP – 13.6 eV
Chemical and Physical Properties
Physical State
Colorless or pale-blue liquid or gas (above 78°F) with a bitter, almond-like odor
Vapor Pressure
630 mm/Hg
Boiling Point
78oF
Vapor Density
.941
Specific Gravity
.69
Miscibility
Soluble
Flash Point
0oF
LEL/UEL
5.6-40%
Autoignition Temp
1000oF
Toxicity
IDLH
50 ppm
PEL/REL/STEL
10/4.7/4.7 ppm
LC50
160-501 ppm
pH
N/A (may form acid in solution)
Radioactive (Yes/No)
No
Medical
Toxicological Considerations
Toxic by all routes.
Signs/Symptoms of Exposure
Cardiac, respiratory, CNS
Medical Treatment
Treat symptomatically and administer antidote
Other Information
Toxic by all routes, extreme flammability hazard, may polymerize, reactive with following absorbents: Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents, Dirt/Earth
AEGL
Exposure Period
AEGL-1
AEGL-2
AEGL-3
10 minutes
2.5 ppm
17 ppm
27 ppm
30 minutes
2.5 ppm
10 ppm
21 ppm
60 minutes
2 ppm
7.1 ppm
15 ppm
4 hours
1.3 ppm
3.5 ppm
8.6 ppm
8 hours
1 ppm
2.5 ppm
6.6 ppm
Chemical Structure