Name: Cyanamide Chemical Formula: CH2N2 Common Forms: White crystals, powder Major Uses: Plant growth regulator, fertilizer, intermediate for pharmaceuticals and chemicals Common Synonyms: Cyanogenamide CAS Number: 420-04-2
Hazard Classes: Harmful if swallowed, irritant to skin and eyes, may cause acute toxicity Main Health Risks: Exposure through inhalation or skin contact can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory irritation, and gastrointestinal upset; bigger dose can lead to convulsions or severe metabolic issues Environmental Threats: Toxic to freshwater life if product leaches into waterways; risk of spills when handled in bulk Fire Risk: Not flammable, but decomposes to release dangerous fumes such as ammonia and hydrogen cyanide
Active Ingredient: Cyanamide (typically more than 99 percent purity for technical grade) Common Impurities: Calcium cyanamide, urea (varying trace amounts based on manufacturing process) Formulation Notes: Pure compounding means the effects of cyanamide dominate risk, rather than anything else in the mix Potential Byproducts: Ammonia, small quantities of hydrogen cyanide if product breaks down with heat or acids
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; respiratory support if symptoms develop; watch for breathing difficulty Skin Contact: Rinse contaminated area thoroughly with water and soap; watch for allergic response, especially on repeated exposure Eye Contact: Flush eyes carefully with water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical attention if irritation continues Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting; seek urgent medical evaluation due to possible systemic toxicity
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder; direct water jets recommended to control surrounding fire Hazardous Combustion Products: Ammonia and hydrogen cyanide can be released as gas in fires, which are toxic and very unpleasant to handle Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective suit, self-contained breathing apparatus against toxic clouds Unique Hazards: Cyanamide itself rarely burns but becomes very hazardous if heated in confined spaces
Personal Protection: Wear gloves, goggles, and dust mask to prevent exposure; open windows for ventilation Spill Control: Collect solid residues with non-sparking tools, avoid stirring up dust; for powder, lightly dampen before collection Environmental Precaution: Prevent runoff to waterways and drains by bunding spill area; inform downstream users if in doubt Cleanup Method: Scoop up material and store in sealable bags or bins for proper disposal, then decontaminate surfaces thoroughly
Handling Rules: Train workers on risk; avoid creating airborne particles; wash hands thoroughly after use; avoid eating or smoking while in work areas Storage Conditions: Keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated places away from strong acids, oxidizers, and water sources; keep containers tightly closed Special Considerations: Regularly inspect packaging for signs of damage; use only with appropriate controls in place to avoid accidental release
Ventilation: Design facilities so dust and vapor levels never exceed safe limits; extraction hoods recommended for large-scale use Personal Protection: Use chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, long-sleeved clothing, and particulate respirator for dusty conditions Exposure Limits: No established ACGIH or OSHA limits, but best to keep levels as low as possible, with extra caution for workers with allergies or asthma Hygiene Measures: Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse; mandatory handwashing before breaks and after shifts
Appearance: White crystalline solid Odor: Mild, ammonia-like Melting Point: Around 45°C Boiling Point: Starts decomposing before boiling Solubility: Readily dissolves in water; breaks down under moist and warm conditions Vapor Pressure: Low under standard conditions Other Properties: Stable as solid under dry, cool conditions; reacts with acids and bases
Chemical Stability: Stable under dry, cool storage conditions away from moisture Reactive Risks: Reacts with acids, bases, and water to produce ammonia and hydrogen cyanide; avoid strong oxidizers Hazardous Decomposition Products: Ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides under heat or fire Conditions to Avoid: High humidity, high temperature, direct contact with incompatible materials
Main Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, oral, and dermal contact; risk for both short-term and chronic symptoms Short-Term Effects: Throat and lung irritation, skin rashes, eye discomfort, nausea, vomiting, convulsions at high doses Long-Term Effects: Repeated skin exposure can lead to allergies, eczema-like symptoms; chronic ingestion risk includes metabolic imbalance or systemic toxicity Vulnerable Groups: Workers with a history of allergy or asthma face higher risk; pregnant women and children advised to avoid contact Evidence Base: Animal studies show acute toxic response; limited human case reports detail accidental poisoning in farm and lab settings
Ecological Risk: Toxic to aquatic organisms, even in small quantities; may cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments Persistence: Cyanamide breaks down rapidly in water and soils, but breakdown products can still pose hazards Bioaccumulation: Not expected to build up in food chains, but a single large release risks fish or amphibian kills downstream Environmental Mobility: Highly soluble; runoff or spills travel quickly through soil and surface water
Waste Management: Treat any spills or unused product as hazardous waste; do not dump into sewers, storm drains, or bodies of water Recommended Disposal Method: Incinerate with permitted waste handler; dilute small amounts in water and neutralize carefully under controlled conditions Container Handling: Rinse empty packaging and handle as chemical waste; never reuse containers for food or drink
Classification: Regulated as dangerous goods in bulk; exact class varies based on form and concentration Packaging Needs: Store and transport in sealed, chemical-resistant drums or bags; clear hazard labeling for all shipments Special Instructions: Secure shipments during transit; restrict access to trained staff; emergency procedure plan for spills or leaks
Regulatory Status: Controlled under chemical safety, workplace, and environmental protection laws in many jurisdictions Worker Protection Rules: Mandatory safety training, hazard communication, and monitoring in workplaces where cyanamide is used or produced Transport and Storage Rules: Strictly regulated in many countries; notification and labeling requirements for bulk movements Compliance Measures: Regular safety audits, documentation for hazardous waste disposal, recordkeeping on training and incidents serve as key compliance steps