Hydrogen Cyanide - HCN
Hazard: Flammable Will explode, LEL 5.6%
Classification: Health Extremely toxic
Synonyms: Formonitrile, Hydrocyanic acid, Prussic acid
Exposure limits: (OSHA) PEL\TWA: 10 ppm
(ACGIH) STEL: N/A
(OSHA) IDLH: 50 ppm / 30 min.
Industries: Used in the leaching of precious metals, i.e. gold, chemical plants, insecticides
Hydrogen cyanide is a colorless to a pale blue liquid or gas. It has a distinct odor resembling bitter almonds. Hydrogen cyanide is particularly dangerous because of its toxic/asphyxiating effects on all life requiring oxygen to survive. HCN combines with the enzymes in tissue associated with cellular oxidation. What this means is they render oxygen unavailable to the tissues causing death by asphyxia. This suspension only lasts while the cyanide is present. Upon its removal, normal function is restored provided death has not occurred.
Effects of Various HCN Levels
Hydrogen Cyanide Level in PPM Resulting Conditions on Humans
10 Permissible Exposure Limit (OSHA)
10-50 Headache, dizziness, unsteadiness
0-100 Feeling of suffocation, nausea
100-200 Death from exposure in 30 to 60 minutes
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