Hydrogen Cyanide Exposure Risks in the Workplace

Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is a precursor to many chemical compounds and is produced on an industrial scale for use in numerous industries. Hydrogen cyanide is used commercially for fumigation, electroplating, mining, chemical synthesis, and for the production of synthetic fibers, plastics, dyes and pesticides. It has also been used as a chemical warfare agent in the past and has the military designation of AC.
 
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) describes hydrogen cyanide as a colorless or pale-blue liquid or gas with a bitter, almond-like odor. It is a liquid below 78°F (25.6°C) and a colorless gas above 78°F (25.6°C).
 
Exposure to hydrogen cyanide can be fatal as it interferes with the body’s use of oxygen and may cause harm to the brain, heart, blood vessels and lungs. Routes of potential exposure include ingestion, inhalation, skin contact and eye contact. NIOSH lists examples of some workers that could be at risk of being exposed, they include:

• Workers who commercially fumigate ships and buildings
• Agricultural workers who fumigate outdoor pests in areas such as fruit orchards
• Factory workers in industries that manufacture acrylic fibers, synthetic rubber and plastics
• Steel and iron workers who work in plants that harden iron and steel

“To help protect workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) and NIOSH has a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL),” said Franco Seif, President of Clark Seif Clark (CSC). “Hydrogen cyanide and cyanide salts are also listed by California as known to cause reproductive toxicity under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, more commonly referred to as Proposition 65.”
 
Dedicated to helping companies and institutions safeguard workers and maintain regulatory compliance are the industrial hygiene and environmental professionals at Clark Seif Clark. CSC offers testing, monitoring, consulting and training services to identify and mitigate exposure risks associated with hydrogen cyanide and many other hazards in the workplace.
 
CSC also recently sponsored an educational video about hydrogen cyanide and potential occupational exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/ijFzrQKZEws
 
To learn more about this or other industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118. 
 
About Clark Seif Clark
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both public and private sectors address indoor air quality, occupational, environmental, and health and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail