Potassium cyanide, solid; hydrocyanic acid, potassium salt

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview -------------------------- POISON! DANGER! MAY BE FATAL IF SWALLOWED, INHALED OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. CONTACT WITH ACIDS LIBERATES POISONOUS GAS. CAUSES BURNS TO SKIN, EYES, AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. AFFECTS BLOOD, CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AND THYROID. SAF-T-DATA(tm) Ratings (Provided here for your convenience) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Health Rating: 4 - Extreme (Poison) Flammability Rating: 0 - None Reactivity Rating: 2 - Moderate Contact Rating: 3 - Severe (Life) Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES & SHIELD; LAB COAT & APRON; VENT HOOD; PROPER GLOVES

Storage

Color Code Blue (Health) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Potential health effects

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. Reddening of the eyes and pupil dilation are symptoms of cyanide poisoning. Cyanosis (blue discoloration of the skin) tends to be associated with severe cyanide poisonings. Inhalation: Corrosive to the respiratory tract. The substance inhibits cellular respiration and may cause blood, central nervous system, and thyroid changes. May cause headache, weakness, dizziness, labored breathing nausea and vomiting, which can be followed by weak and irregular heart beat, unconsciousness, convulsions, coma and death. Ingestion: Highly Toxic! Corrosive to the gastro-intestinal tract with burning in the mouth and esophagus, and abdominal pain. Larger doses may produce sudden loss of consciousness and prompt death from respiratory arrest. Smaller but still lethal doses may prolong the illness for one or more hours. Bitter almonds odor may be noted on the breath or vomitus. Other symptoms may be similar to those noted for inhalation exposure. Skin Contact: Corrosive. May cause severe pain and skin burns. Solutions are corrosive to the skin and eyes, and may cause deep ulcers which heal slowly. May be absorbed through the skin, with symptoms similar to those noted for inhalation. Eye Contact: Corrosive. Symptoms may include redness, pain, blurred vision, and eye damage. Chronic Exposure: Prolonged or repeated skin exposure may cause a "cyanide" rash and nasal sores. Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions: Workers using cyanides should have a preplacement and periodic medical exam. Those with history of central nervous system, thyroid, skin, heart or lung diseases may be more susceptible to the effects of this substance.