M.S.D.S. 0084
Material Safety Data Sheet
City University of Hong Kong
MSDS SODIUM CYANIDE 0084
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PRODUCT INFORMATION
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Chemical Name: Sodium Cyanide
Chinese Name: 脵忙陇脝露u
Common Synonyms: Cyanobrik (R);
Cyanogran (R); Cyanide Of Sodium; Prussiate Of Soda
Formula: NaCN
C.A.S.: 143-33-9
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RISK SYMBOL
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PHYSICAL DATA
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Physical State: Solid
Boiling Point: 2,725 deg. F Melting Point, deg. F: 1,047
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The above information is believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.
No responsibilities or liabilities are assumed or implied by CITY U for their inaccuracies.
Vapour Pressure, mmHg/20 deg. C: Nil
Vapour Density (Air=1): Not applicable
Specific Gravity (Water=1): 1.6 Water Solubility, %: 37
Appearance And Odour: White granular solid; slight ammonia and almond odour.
Evaporation Rate (Butyl Acetate=1): Not applicable
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FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA
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Condition Of Flammability: Non-Flammable
Extinguishing Media:
Flood with water. Do not use CO2 which reacts with sodium cyanide to produce highly toxic and
flammable hydrogen cyanide gas.
Flash Point: Not Flammable
Flammable Limits In Air, % Lower: Not applicable Upper: Not applicable
Special Fire Fighting Procedures:
Fire fighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Use water
spray to cool nearby containers and structures exposed to fire. Sodium cyanide dissolves readily in
water, therefore cyanide solution run-off may occur if containers are opened. run-off should be contained
and detoxified with hypochlorite. be extremely cautious not to inhale any fumes during a fire because
highly toxic HCN gas may be liberated.
Unusual Fire And Explosion Hazards: Hydrogen cyanide gas is flammable and highly toxic.
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REACTIVITY DATA
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Stability: Moisture Causes Decomposition.
Polymerization: Will not occur
Incompatibility:
Reacts violently with strong oxidizers. Large amounts of highly toxic, flammable hydrogen cyanide
(HCN) gas will evolve from contact with acids. Water or weak alkaline solution can produce dangerous
amounts of hcn in confined areas. Carbon dioxide from the air is sufficiently acidic to liberate highly
toxic hydrogen cyanide gas from cyanide solutions.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Poisonous HCN and ammonia gases.
Conditions To Avoid: Moisture, heat.
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HEALTH HAZARD DATA
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Primary Routes Of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption.
The above information is believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.
No responsibilities or liabilities are assumed or implied by CITY U for their inaccuracies.
M.S.D.S. 0084
Signs And Symptoms Of Exposure:
Inhalation: Inhalation of dust will cause respiratory tract irritation and may be fatal.
Eye Contact: Dusts will irritate the eyes and prolonged contact may burn and/or damage the eyes.
Skin Contact:
Exposure to the dust will cause irritation. Prolonged or repeated contact may result in an itching rash
characterized by macular, popular, and vesicular eruptions. Frequently there is secondary infection.
Fatal amounts of sodium cyanide can be absorbed through the skin.
Swallowed:
Swallowing the solid can cause death. Cyanides inhibit tissue oxidation causing death through chemical
asphyxia.
Chronic Effects Of Exposure:
Exposure to small amounts of cyanide compounds over long periods of time is reported to cause loss of
appetite, headache, weakness, nausea, dizziness, and symptoms of irritation of the upper respiratory
tract and eyes.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated By Exposure: None reported.
Oral: Rat LD 50 = 6.44 mg/kg; Human LDLO = 2.857 mg/kg
Dermal: No data found
Inhalation: No data found
Carcinogenicity:
This material is not considered to be a carcinogen by the national toxicology program, the international
agency for research on cancer, or the occupational safety and health administration.
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FIRST AID MEASURES
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First Aid For Cyanide Exposure:
Actions to be taken in case of cyanide exposure should be planned and practised before beginning work
with cyanides (in most cases, cyanide poisoning causes a deceptively healthy pink to red skin color;
however, if a physical injury or lack of oxygen is involved, the skin color may be bluish.
Treatment for cyanide poisoning can be provided in two ways, "first aid" and "medical treatment". Both
require immediate action to prevent further harm or death. First aid using amyl nitrite and oxygen is
generally given by a layman before medical help arrives. Medical treatment involves intravenous
injections and must be administered by qualified medical personnel. Even if a doctor or nurse is present,
the need for fast treatment dictates using first aid treatment with amyl nitrite and oxygen while medical
treatment materials for intravenous injection are being prepared. Experience shows that first aid given
promptly is usually the only treatment needed.
Medical treatment is given if the victim does not respond to first aid. it provides a larger quantity of
antidote including sodium thiosulfate to chemically destroy cyanide in the body. However, even under
City University of Hong Kong 3
The above information is believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.
No responsibilities or liabilities are assumed or implied by CITY U for their inaccuracies.
optimum conditions, amyl nitrite can be administered faster and should be used even if medical treatment
follows.
Amyl nitrite and medical treatment kits for cyanide poisoning are available, with doctor's prescription,
from pharmacies.
First aid -- directions for giving amyl nitrite antidote and oxygen
1. Conscious: for inhalation and/or absorption if the victim is alert, oxygen may be all that is needed. But
if he is not fully conscious or shows signs of poisoning, follow paragraph 2 below. For swal- lowing,
see first aid -- swallowing cyanide.
2. Unconscious but breathing: break an amyl nitrite ampule in a cloth and hold lightly under the victim's
nose for 15 seconds, then take away for 15 seconds. Repeat 5-6 times. If necessary, use a fresh ampule
every 3 minutes until the victim regains consciousness (usually 1-4 ampules). Give oxygen to aid
recovery.
3. Not Breathing:
A. Give artificial respiration, preferably with an oxygen resusci- tator. Give amyl nitrite antidote by
placing a broken ampule inside the resuscitator face piece, being careful that the ampule does not
enter the victim's mouth and cause choking.
B. If using manual artificial respiration, give amyl nitrite anti- dote as in paragraph 2 above, except
keep the first amyl nitrite ampule under the nose with replacement every 3 minutes.
4. Amyl Nitrite Notes:
A. Amyl nitrite is highly volatile and flammable; do not smoke or use around source of ignition.
B. If treating poison victim in a windy or drafty area, provide something -- a rag, shirt, wall, drum,
cupped hands, etc. -- to prevent the amyl nitrite vapours from being blown away. Keep the ampule
upwind from the nose. The objective is to get amyl nitrite into the victim's lungs.
C. Rescuers should avoid amyl nitrite inhalation so they won't become dizzy and lose competence.
D. Do not overuse. Amyl nitrite dilates the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. While excessive
use might put the victim in shock, this has not occurred in practice at DUPONT manufacturing
facilities, and dupont company is not aware of any death from treatment with amyl nitrite.
If Inhaled:
Remove to fresh air. Lay victim down. Administer amyl nitrite antidote and oxygen. Remove
contaminated clothing. Keep patient quiet and warm. call a physician.
In Case Of Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing, and keep victim quiet and
warm. Call a physician.
In Case Of Skin Contact:
Wash skin to remove the cyanide while removing all contaminated clothing, including shoes. Do not
delay. Skin absorption can occur from cyanide dust, solutions, or hcn vapour. Absorption is slower than
inhalation, usually measured in minutes compared to seconds for inhalation. follow first aid directions
The above information is believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.
No responsibilities or liabilities are assumed or implied by CITY U for their inaccuracies.
M.S.D.S. 0084
for giving amyl nitrite antidote and oxygen (above) if treatment is needed, but even severe skin contact
may not require treatment if 1) no inhalation or swallowing has occurred; and 2) the cyanide is promptly
washed from the skin and contaminated cloth- ing removed. If skin contact is prolonged, hcn poisoning
may occur with nausea, unconsciousness, and then death possible if source of cyanide intake is not
removed and treatment provided. Even after washing the skin, the victim should be watched for at least
1-2 hours because ab- sorbed cyanide can continue to work into the bloodstream. Wash clothing before
reuse and destroy contaminated shoes.
If Swallowed:
Conscious: immediately give patient one pint of 1% sodium thiosulfate solution (or plain water) by
mouth and induce vomiting with finger in throat. Repeat until vomit fluid is clear. Never give anything by
mouth to an unconscious person. Call a physician. unconscious: follow first aid procedure as in
paragraphs 2 and 3 above and call a physician. If the victim revives, then proceed with *conscious*
paragraph immediately above.
Note To Physician:
Medical treatment is normally provided by a physician, but might be provided by a professionally
trained "qualified medical person" where a need exists and where state and local laws permit. While
preparing for sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate injections, use amyl nitrite and oxygen as outlined in
directions for giving amyl nitrite first aid. When ready and if the victim is not responding to first aid,
first inject the solution of sodium nitrite (10 ml of a 3% solution) intravenously at the rate of 2.5
ml/minute, then immediately inject the sodium thiosulfate (50 ml of a 25% solution) at the same rate,
taking care to avoid extravasation. This is a fairly lengthy treatment (24 minutes) since a total of 10 + 50,
or 60 ml is injected at a rate of 2.5 ml/minute. consideration should be given to the size and conditions of
the victim as treatment is proceeding. It is not essential that full quantities be given just because treatment
was started. Injections can be stopped at any point if recovery is evident. Watch patient continuously for
24 - 48 hours if cyanide exposure was severe. If there is any return of symptoms during this period,
repeat this treatment using one-half the amounts of sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate solutions.
Caution should be used to avoid overuse of medical treatment chemicals as the prescribed dose is about
1/3 the lethal dose for an average individual. If signs of excessive methemoglobinemia develop (ie, blue
skin and mucous membranes, vomiting, shock and coma), 1% methylene blue solution should be given
intravenously. A total dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg of body weight should be administered over a period of five
to ten minutes and should be repeated in one hour if necessary. In addition, oxygen inhalation will be
helpful. Transfusion of whole fresh blood may be considered if there has been mechanical injury with
external or internal bleeding and simultaneous cyanide exposure. The experience of dupont company, a
cyanide producer, in treating cyanide poison cases is that first aid procedures using amyl nitrite and
oxygen were effective and the only treatment needed in most cases. Medical treatment, using intravenous
injections, was used in a few cases. Both procedures have been successful.
City University of Hong Kong 5
The above information is believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.
No responsibilities or liabilities are assumed or implied by CITY U for their inaccuracies.
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PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
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Ventilation:
Local mechanical exhaust ventilation capable of minimizing dust emissions at the point of use.
Respiratory Protection:
If use conditions generate dusts, wear a NIOSH-approved respirator appropriate for those emission
levels. Appropriate respirators may be a full facepiece air-purifying cartridge respirator with particulate
filters, a self-contained breathing apparatus in the pressure demand mode, or a supplied-air respirator.
Eye Protection:
Chemical goggles unless a full facepiece respirator is also worn. It is generally recognized that contact
lenses should not be worn when working with chemicals because contact lenses may contribute to the
severity of an eye injury.
Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirt, trousers, rubber boots, rubber gloves, and rubber apron.
Other Protective Measures:
An eyewash and safety shower should be nearby and ready for use. First aid and medical treatment
supplies, including oxygen resuscitators, should be ready for use by trained personnel.
Storage And Handling Precautions:
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Store away from all other chemicals and potential sources of
contamination. Do not store near combustibles or flammables. Do not handle or store food, beverages, or
tobacco in cyanide areas. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Do not use pressure to empty
container. Wash thoroughly after handling. Do not get in eyes,on skin, or on clothing. Do not store near
acids or oxidizers.
Repair And Maintenance Precautions: None.
Other Precautions:
Containers, even those that have been emptied, will retain product residue and vapours. Always obey
hazard warnings and handle empty containers as if they were full.
The above information is believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.
No responsibilities or liabilities are assumed or implied by CITY U for their inaccuracies.
M.S.D.S. 0084
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DATA
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Action To Take For Spills Or Leaks:
Wear protective equipment including rubber boots, rubber gloves, rubber apron, and a self-contained
breathing apparatus in the pressure demand modeor a supplied-air respirator. If the spill or leak is small,
a full facepiece air-purifying cartridge respirator equipped with particulate filters may be satisfactory. In
any event, always wear eye protection. for small spills, sweep up and dispose of in DOT-approved
waste containers. For large spills, shovel into DOT-approved waste containers. Keep out of sewers,
storm drains, surface waters, and soil. keep spillage dry. Flush spill area with a dilute solution of
sodium or calcium hypochlorite. This material is highly toxic to marine life.
City University of Hong Kong 7
The above information is believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.
No responsibilities or liabilities are assumed or implied by CITY U for their inaccuracies.
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