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Hydrogen Cyanide

CAS Number

74-90-8

Synonym

AC; AI3-31100-X; Aero Liquid HCN; Caswell No. 483; Cyclon; Evercyn; Formic anammonide; Formonitrile; HCN; Hydrocyanic acid; Prussic acid; Zaclondiscoids; EPA Pesticide Code: 045801

Occurrence/Use

Precursor to sodium cyanide and potassium cyanide; chemical warfare agent, fumigant, electroplating; organic chemical synthesis; production of nylon, synthetic fibers, dyes, pesticides; component of vehicle exhaust, wood and tobacco smoke. Naturally occurring in fruits with pit.

Hydrogen Cyanide

Cancer Potency Information

Latest Criteria: 
Proposition 65 NSRLs/MADLs

Air

Acute RELs

Acute REL (μg/m3): 
340
Species: 
Monkey
Acute REL Toxicologic Endpoint: 
Loss of coordination and consciousness due to cellular hypoxia
Acute REL Target Organs: 
Central nervous system
Severity: 
Severe
Last Acute REL Revision: 
1999
Acute Reference Exposure Levels Comments: 

Chronic REL

Chronic Inhalation REL (μg/m3): 
9
Chronic Target Organs: 
Nervous system, endocrine system, cardiovascular system
Human Data: 
Yes
Last Chronic REL Revision: 
2000
Chronic Reference Exposure Levels Comments: 

Water

California Public Health Goals Data

California PHG Comments: 

See Cyanide.