Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)

Health Effects
Hydrogen cyanide is very toxic, a few breaths may cause unconsciousness and death; at concentrations above 100 ppm toxic amounts can be absorbed through the skin.
RTECS Description:   None
Carcinogenicity:          IARC/NTC: Not listed as carcinogenic.

Exposure Limits:
ACGIH:          Ceiling 4.7 ppm (skin)
NIOSH           4.7 ppm (skin)
IDLH 50 ppm
OSHA:            10 ppm

Steri-Trac® HCN Monitor
Availability:                            Special Order
Specifications:*                              
Sensor Type                Electrochemical
Range:                         0 – 30 ppm
Resolution:                  0.2 ppm
Temp Range:               -20 to +40 oC
Response time (t50):     <50 s (2 min exposure)

Properties and Applications:
Hydrogen cyanide gas has a characteristic bitter almond odor. The gas is used as a fumigant insecticide/rodenticide and is used in organic synthesis (e.g. for adiponitrile for nylon production from butadiene) and to make other cyanides used in gold mining.

*Specifications subject to change