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NIOSH

CYANOGEN

ICSC: 1390

Dicyanogen
Ethanedinitrile
Oxalonitrile
C2N2
Molecular mass: 52.04
(cylinder)
ICSC # 1390 		CAS # 460-19-5
RTECS # GT1925000
UN # 1026
EC # 608-011-00-8
October 17, 2001 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Highly flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with dry powder, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Gas/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with strong oxidants.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.
In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION Convulsions. Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Laboured breathing. Sore throat. Unconsciousness. Vomiting.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. No mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.
•SKIN ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.
Cold-insulating gloves.
ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Redness. Pain.
Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION


SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. Personal protection: gas-tight chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Fireproof. Cool.

F symbol
T symbol
N symbol
R: 11-23-50/53
S: 1/2-23-45-60-61
UN Hazard Class: 2.3
UN Subsidiary Risks: 2.1
ICSC: 1390 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

CYANOGEN

ICSC: 1390

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS GAS OR COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
On combustion, forms. toxic gases , including hydrogen cyanide , carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides . Reacts with strong oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard. The substance reacts with acids forming highly toxic gases such as hydrogen cyanide.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 10 ppm as TWA; (ACGIH 2008).
MAK: 5 ppm, 11 mg/m3;
Peak limitation category: II(2);
skin absorption (H);
Pregnancy risk group: D;
(DFG 2008).
OSHA PEL†: none
NIOSH REL: TWA 10 ppm (20 mg/m3)
NIOSH IDLH: N.D. See: IDLH INDEX


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes and the respiratory tract . Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system , resulting in respiratory failure and collapse. Exposure far above the OEL may result in death.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: -21.2°C
Melting point: -27.9°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.95 at -21°C
Solubility in water, ml/100 ml at 20°C: 450
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.8
Flash point: Flammable Gas
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 6.6-42.6
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.07

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms.

N O T E S

Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Turn leaking cylinder with the leak up to prevent escape of gas in liquid state. Card has been partly updated in April 2005. See sections Emergency Response.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20G2TF
NFPA Code: H4; F4; R2;
Card has been partially updated in February 2009: see Occupational Exposure Limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 1390 CYANOGEN
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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