Sodium cyanide - Evonik Industries

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Uses and application Sodium cyanide is used primarily as starting material in the manufacture of other chemicals. The substance is used for extraction and recycling of precious metals, as a processing aid in electroplating and as a surface treatment agent in metal hardening. Physical/chemical properties Sodium cyanide is a white crystalline solid with a faint bitter-almond like odour. The solid has a density higher than water. The melting point of this substance is 562 °C and the boiling point 1500 °C. Alkali cyanide salts are soluble in water liberating HCN unless pH is strongly alkaline. Property Value Density 1.595 g/cm3 (20°C) Melting / Boiling point 562°C / 1500°C Molecular weight 49.0072 g/mol Health effects Based on available data, Sodium cyanide is fatal if swallowed, inhaled and absorbed through the skin. Standard tests indicate the substance is not mutagenic or genotoxic. Data shows no evidence of reproductive toxicity or carcinogenicity. Effect Assessment Result Acute toxicity (oral, dermal Fatal if swallowed, inhaled and and inhalation) absorbed through the skin. Eye / Skin irritation Due to the acute toxicity the irritative effect on the eye and skin cannot be determined. Sensitization Due to the acute toxicity the sensitizing potential cannot be determined. Toxicity after repeated Acutely toxic effects are predominant exposure via oral, dermal and inhalative route. Repeated exposure is correlated with thyroid enlargement. Genotoxicity / mutagenicity Not mutagenic / not genotoxic Carcinogenicity No evidence that the material is carcinogenic based on available data. Toxicity for reproduction No evidence that the material is a reproductive toxin based on available data. Evonik Industries GmbH | GPS Safety Summary| December 2012 | Version 2 |page 2/6
Environmental effects Based on available data, Sodium cyanide is considered very toxic to the environment. The substance is readily biodegradable and no bioaccumulation is expected. Cyanide is a naturally occurring substance produced by certain plants, algae and bacteria. Effect Assessment Result Aquatic toxicity Very toxic to water organisms Fate and Behavior Result Biodegradation Readily biodegradable Bioaccumulation potential No bioaccumulation potential PBT / vPvB conclusion Not considered to be either PBT or vPvB Exposure Human health Consumers will not come into contact with Sodium cyanide since there are no known consumer uses for Sodium cyanide. It is industrially manufactured in a closed process. Personnel exposure to Sodium cyanide in the manufacturing facilities is minimized by general and substance specific operational conditions and risk management measures. When containers and tanks are cleaned, residues are captured and detoxified. Storage and manufacturing facilities are built to safely handle Sodium cyanide and precautions are taken to capture any unintended releases. All workers are trained in the properties of Sodium cyanide and safe practices including using personal protective equipment. Environment Sodium cyanide is manufactured in a closed and automated process, thus, no release to the environment is intended. Risk management recommendations When handling Sodium cyanide, follow specific operational instructions in place. Make sure that there is adequate ventilation. Always use appropriate chemical resistant gloves to protect your hands and skin and always wear eye protection such as chemical goggles. Provide a safety shower and a respirator with appropriate filter to be available for immediate use. Do not eat, drink, and smoke where the substance is handled, processed or stored. All wastewater streams that may include the substance must be directed to a wastewater treatment plant that removes the substance from the final releases to the receiving water. Dispose of the substance and its container only at hazardous or special waste collection points. Evonik Industries AG | GPS Safety Summary | December 2012 | Version 2 | page 3/6
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Sodium cyanide - Evonik Industries

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