September 2010
NIOSH Publication Number 2010-168c

Potassium cyanide (as CN)

Synonyms & Trade Names
Potassium salt of hydrocyanic acid
CAS No.
151-50-8
RTECS No.
TS8750000
DOT ID & Guide
1680 157 (solution)
Formula
KCN
Conversion
IDLH
25 mg/m3 (as CN)
See: cyanides
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
*: C 5 mg/m3 (4.7 ppm) [10-minute] [*Note: The REL also applies to other cyanides (as CN) except Hydrogen cyanide.]
OSHA PEL
*: TWA 5 mg/m3 [*Note: The PEL also applies to other cyanides (as CN) except Hydrogen cyanide.]
Measurement Methods

NIOSH 7904
Physical Description
White, granular or crystalline solid with a faint, almond-like odor.
MW:
65.1
BP:
2957°F		 MLT: 1173°F Sol(77°F): 72%
VP:
0 mmHg (approx)
IP:
NA
Sp.Gr:
1.55
Fl.P:
NA
UEL:
NA
LEL:
NA
Noncombustible Solid, but contact with acids releases highly flammable hydrogen cyanide.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers (such as acids, acid salts, chlorates & nitrates) [Note: Absorbs moisture from the air forming a syrup.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, upper respiratory system; asphyxia; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), headache, confusion; nausea, vomiting; increased resp rate, slow gasping respiration; thyroid, blood changes
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, thyroid, blood
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated
Remove: When wet or contaminated
Change: Daily
Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Soap wash immediately
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 25 mg/m3:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern and having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0671