Potassium Cyanide

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

______________________________________ Emergency Overview: Appearance: White powder Odor: Bitter Almonds EU Symbols: T+ - VERY TOXIC N - DANGEROUS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

R-phrase(s)

R 26/27/28 Very toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. R 32 Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas. R 50/53: Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. Emergency response to cyanide exposure should be planned and practiced prior to work with cyanides. First responders should start treatment and get medical attention immediately. Antidote: break an amyl nitrite pearl in cloth and hold lightly under nose for 15 seconds. Repeat 5 times at 15 second intervals. Transport to hospital immediately. Note to Physician: Have a cyanide first aid kit available. If patient has not responded to amyl nitrite, inject intraveneously 10 ml of a 3% solution of sodium nitrite at a rate not greater than 2,5 - 5 ml/min. Follow directly with 50 ml of a 25 % solution of sodium thiosulfate at the same rate by the same route. Keep patient under observation. If signs of poisoning persist or reappear, repeat nitrite and thiosulfate injections 1 hour later in one-half the original doses. Protective Equipment:

Potential health effects

Eye Contact (EC) May cause irritation May cause ataxia - loss of muscular coordination respiratory stimulation Skin Contact (EC): No effects are anticipated Skin Absorption (EC): Harmful if absorbed through the skin Effects similar to those of ingestion Target Organs (SA E): Central nervous system Ingestion (EC) Very Toxic May be rapidly fatal. Causes cyanosis ( a reduction of the blood's ability to carry oxygen, giving a bluish discoloration) May cause anxiety headache confusion irregular heartbeat coma death Inhalation: Effects similar to those of ingestion. Target Organs (Ing E): Brain Central nervous system

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Pre-existing Skin conditions Target Organs (Inh E): Brain Central nervous system

Potential chronic health

Chronic overexposure may cause central nervous system effects Cancer / Reproductive Toxicity Information: IARC Listed: No Additional Cancer / Reproductive Toxicity Information

Contains

an experimental mutagen. an experimental teratogen. Toxicologically Synergistic Products: None reported