potassium silver cyanide

H290 (26.1%): May be corrosive to metals [Warning Corrosive to Metals]

H300 (80.4%): Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H310 (80.4%): Fatal in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H314 (21%): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

H318 (66.7%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H330 (80.4%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H400 (99.3%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H410 (99.3%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P234, P260, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P320, P321, P330, P361+P364, P363, P390, P391, P403+P233, P405, P406, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 138 reports by companies from 11 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

Warning: Effects, including skin reactions, may be delayed. Caution is advised. Vital signs should be monitored closely. Heart palpitation may begin within minutes after exposure.

Note: Potassium silver cyanide is very readily absorbed through the skin.

Signs and Symptoms of Potassium silver cyanide Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to potassium silver cyanide may include hypertension (high blood pressure) and tachycardia (rapid heart rate), followed by hypotension (low blood pressure) and bradycardia (slow heart rate). Cherry-red mucous membranes and blood, cardiac arrhythmias, and other cardiac abnormalities are common. Cyanosis (blue tint to the skin and mucous membranes) is not a consistent finding. Tachypnea (rapid respiratory rate) may be followed by respiratory depression. Lung hemorrhage and pulmonary edema may also occur. Headache, vertigo (dizziness), agitation, and giddiness may be followed by combative behavior, convulsions, paralysis, protruding eyeballs, dilated and unreactive pupils, and coma. Potassium silver cyanide is irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. Lacrimation (tearing) and a burning sensation of the mouth and throat are common. Excessive salivation, nausea, and vomiting may also occur.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to potassium silver cyanide may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:

1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to potassium silver cyanide.

2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. IMMEDIATELY begin administering 100% oxygen to all victims. Monitor victims for respiratory distress. Warning: To prevent self-poisoning, avoid mouth-to-mouth breathing; use a forced-oxygen mask. Direct oral contact with potassium silver cyanide-contaminated persons or their gastric contents may result in self poisoning.

3. Rush to a health care facility.

4. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:

1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to potassium silver cyanide.

2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. IMMEDIATELY begin administering 100% oxygen to all victims. Monitor victims for respiratory distress. Warning: To prevent self-poisoning, avoid mouth-to-mouth breathing; use a forced-oxygen mask. Direct oral contact with potassium silver cyanide-contaminated persons or their gastric contents may result in self-poisoning.

4. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing as soon as possible.

5. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.

6. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with water.

7. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

Ingestion Exposure:

1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. IMMEDIATELY begin administering 100% oxygen to all victims. Monitor victims for respiratory distress. Warning: To prevent self-poisoning, avoid mouth-to-mouth breathing; use a forced-oxygen mask. Direct oral contact with potassium silver cyanide-contaminated persons or their gastric contents may result in self-poisoning.

2. Rush to a health care facility.

3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

4. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize!

5. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.

6. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert. (EPA, 1998)

(Non-Specific -- Cyanide, Inorganic, n.o.s.) Isolate hazard area and deny entry. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering them. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing. Fight fire from maximum distance. Dike fire control water for later disposal. Do not scatter the material.

(Non-Specific -- Cyanide, Inorganic, n.o.s.) Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or foam for small fire, and water spray, fog, or foam for large fires. Move containers of this material away from fire area if this can be done without risk. (EPA, 1998)

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers must not be used where cyanide salts are present. /Cyanide salts/

Excerpt from ERG Guide 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

THE OXIDATION OF CN- & COMPLEX METALLIC CYANIDES, INCLUDING POTASSIUM SILVER CYANIDE, WITH O3 IN AN ALKALINE MEDIUM IS CATALYZED BY TRANSITION METAL IONS & IS THE BASIS OF A TREATMENT FOR WASTE WATER CONTAINING CN- & ITS COMPLEXES. BASED ON THE RESULTS OBTAINED, PLANT DESIGN CRITERIA ARE PRESENTED, & PROCEDURES ARE SUGGESTED FOR A CONTINUOUS OPERATION & FOR AUTOMATION OF THE PLANT.

WASTE CYANIDE SALTS FROM CASE HARDENING OF STEEL ARE DESTROYED BY REACTING THE SALTS AT 650-700 °C WITH WASTE FERRIC HYDROXIDE SLUDGES FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. /CYANIDE SALTS/

Spills of cyanide salts should be immediately and carefully cleaned up by shoveling the material into a proper container. Care must be exercised to minimize any dispersal of cyanide dust into the air. /Cyanide salts/

REMOVAL OF COPPER, NICKEL, ZINC, CADMIUM AND CYANIDE FROM PLATING WASTEWATER BY ELECTROFLOTATION IS DISCUSSED. /CYANIDES/

If powdered silver metal or sol silver cmpd are spilled or leaked, the following steps should be taken: 1. Ventilate area of spill or leak. 2. Collect spilled material in most convenient & safe manner & deposit in sealed containers for reclamation. Liquid containing silver metal or sol silver cmpd should be absorbed in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or similar material. /Silver metal & sol silver cmpd/

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number D003; P099; D011, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Potassium silver cyanide is a poor candidate for incineration.

Cyanide salts should not be flushed into any drain which may contain or subsequently receive acid waste. ... Cyanide process waste solutions and flushings from spills should be passed through a cyanide waste disposal system. /Cyanide salts/

ALL CONTAINERS ... SHOULD BE KEPT COVERED OR IN EXHAUSTED HOOD WHEN NOT IN USE. ANY PROCESS THAT MAY RELEASE HYDROGEN CYANIDE SHOULD BE MECHANICALLY EXHAUSTED, WITH PROVISION FOR HIGHER RATE DURING EMERGENCIES. DIRECT READING INSTRUMENTS FOR DETERMINATION OF HYDROCYANIC ACID ARE AVAILABLE. /CYANIDES/

PERSONS WHO WORK WITH & AROUND CYANIDE PREPN SHOULD BE GIVEN SPECIFIC DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS ON MANAGEMENT OF CYANIDE POISONING. /CYANIDES/

ATTENTION TO ... VENTILATION IS NECESSARY. ... BECAUSE OF THE LOW PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LEVEL ... COMPLETE ENCLOSURE OF PROCESS IS RECOMMENDED. ... THOSE WORKING WITH CYANIDE SALTS SHOULD BE INSTRUCTED THAT CONTACT WITH ACIDS WILL RELEASE HYDROGEN CYANIDE. WHERE EXPOSURE POTENTIAL EXISTS, WORKERS SHOULD BE TRAINED TO RECOGNIZE THE ODOR OF HYDROGEN CYANIDE & WHEN ... DETECTED, WORK AREA SHOULD BE EVACUATED IMMEDIATELY. /CYANIDES/

Employees should wash promptly when skin is wet or contaminated. Work clothing should be changed daily if it is possible that clothing is contaminated. Remove nonimpervious clothing promptly if wet or contaminated. Provide emergency eyewash. /Siver & cmpd/

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for POTASSIUM SILVER CYANIDE (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Avoid inhalation or skin contact. (Non-Specific -- Cyanide, Inorganic, n.o.s.) Do not touch spilled materials; stop leak if you can do so without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors.

Small spills: absorb with sand or other noncombustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal.

Small dry spills: with clean shovel place material into clean, dry container and cover; move containers from spill area.

Large spills: dike far ahead of spill for later disposal. (EPA, 1998)

PROTECT FROM LIGHT.

ALL CONTAINERS OF CYANIDE SALTS SHOULD BE KEPT COVERED OR IN EXHAUST HOOD WHEN NOT IN USE. /CYANIDES/

Cyanide salts as solids must be stored in sealed or tightly closed containers. No hooks should be used in handling cyanide containers. ... Storage areas must be adequately ventilated to ensure that cyanide concentrations do not exceed the recommended workplace environmental limits. /Cyanide salts/

Cyanide salts as solids or solutions must be ... protected from corrosion or damage. They should be stored so there is no contact with nitrate-nitrite mixtures or peroxides. /Cyanide salts/

... SHOULD BE STORED IN COOL, WELL-VENTILATED PLACE, OUT OF DIRECT RAYS OF SUN, AWAY FROM ... FIRE HAZARD, & SHOULD BE PERIODICALLY INSPECTED & MONITORED. INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS SHOULD BE ISOLATED ... /CYANIDES & COPPER CMPD/

2.0 [mg/m3], inhalable fraction, as CN (0.01 mg/m3, inhalable fraction, as Ag)[German Research Foundation (DFG)]

0.063 [mg/m3]

0.69 [mg/m3]

4.1 [mg/m3]

5.0 [mg/m3], as CN (0.01 mg/m3, as Ag)

10 mg Ag/m3 (NIOSH, 2024)

25.0 [mg/m3], as CN

25 mg/cu m /Potassium cyanide (as CN)/

0.01 [mg/m3], as Ag

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 0.01 mg/cu m /Silver soluble compounds, as Ag/

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed 3 times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 minutes during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded. /Silver soluble compounds, as Ag/

Ceiling Limit: 4.7 ppm, skin /Hydrogen cyanide/

Inorganic cyanide standards: Bulgaria 0.3 mg/cu m; Czechoslovakia 3-15 mg/cu m; Finland 7 mg/cu m; Federal Republic of Germany 5 mg/cu m; Hungary 0.3 mg/cu m; Poland 0.3 mg/cu m; Romania 0.3 mg/cu m; USSR 0.3 mg/cu m; and Yugoslavia 5 mg/cu m. /Calcium, potassium, sodium, cyanide salts/

Other recommendations: Austria, Belgium. Finland, Germany (FGR), Netherlands, Switzerland ... and Yugoslavia all at 0.01 mg/cu m; Romania- 0.005 mg/cu m avg and 0.015 mg/cu m maximum. /Silver & cmpd/

For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)

WHERE SKIN CAN BE EXPOSED ... PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, INCLUDING IMPERVIOUS HAND PROTECTION, SHOULD BE PROVIDED. /CYANIDES/

Chemical safety goggles shall be worn by employees engaged in any operation wherein there is danger or likelihood that dusts or solutions of cyanide salts will come into contact with the eye. Full-length face shields with forehead protection shall be worn by employees engaged in any operation wherein there is danger or likelihood that dusts, molten salts, or solutions of cyanide salts may contact the face. /Cyanide salts/

Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. /Potassium cyanide/

Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. /Potassium cyanide/

For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for POTASSIUM SILVER CYANIDE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Potassium silver cyanide appears as white crystals. Poisonous. Used in silver plating, as a bactericide and in the manufacture of antiseptics. Not registered as a pesticide in the U.S. (EPA, 1998)

Other Solid

White solid; Sensitive to light; Soluble in water; [Merck Index] White crystalline powder; [MSDSonline]

White crystals

Insol in acids

Sol in water and alcohol

2.36 at 77 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink

2.36 @ 25 °C

2.36 @25 °C

0.00001 [mm Hg] @25 °C

SENSITIVE TO LIGHT

When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of /hydrogen cyanide, dipotassium oxide and nitrogen oxides/.

Toxic gases and vapors (such as hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide) may be released when cyanide decomposes. /Cyanide/

Toxic gases and vapors (such as oxides of nitrogen) may be released when some sol silver cmpd decomp. /Sol silver cmpd/

Index of refraction: 1.625

Acids precipitated silver cyanide from the soln

Toxic Gases & Vapors -> Cyanides

Pesticide -> EPA IRIS

Water soluble [Merck].

Cyanides, Inorganic

POTASSIUM SILVER CYANIDE is light sensitive. Acids precipitate silver cyanide from its aqueous solution. Fusion with metal chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates or nitrites can cause violent explosions [Bretherick 1979 p. 101].

Hydrogen cyanide and mercury (II) cyanide: The cyanide /mercury(II) cyanide/ is a friction- and impact-sensitive explosive and may initiate detonation of liquid hydrogen cyanide. Other metal cyanides are similar. /Metal cyanides/

Violent explosion occurs if cyanide salt is melted with nitrite salt. The melt explodes if cyanide plus chlorate or nitrite is heated to 450 °C. /Cyanides/

Fusion of mixtures of metal cyanides with metal chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates ... causes a violent explosion. /Metal cyanides/

Strong oxidizers (such as acids, acid salts, nitrates, and chlorates). [Note: Absorbs moisture from the air forming a syrup.] /Potassium cyanide/

For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for POTASSIUM SILVER CYANIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Cyanide is an inhibitor of cytochrome c oxidase in the fourth complex of the electron transport chain (found in the membrane of the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells). It complexes with the ferric iron atom in this enzyme. The binding of cyanide to this cytochrome prevents transport of electrons from cytochrome c oxidase to oxygen. As a result, the electron transport chain is disrupted and the cell can no longer aerobically produce ATP for energy. Tissues that mainly depend on aerobic respiration, such as the central nervous system and the heart, are particularly affected. Cyanide is also known produce some of its toxic effects by binding to catalase, glutathione peroxidase, methemoglobin, hydroxocobalamin, phosphatase, tyrosinase, ascorbic acid oxidase, xanthine oxidase, succinic dehydrogenase, and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase. Cyanide binds to the ferric ion of methemoglobin to form inactive cyanmethemoglobin. Metallic silver is oxidized and may deposit in the tissues, causing arygria. The silver ion is known to inhibit glutathione peroxidase and NA+,K+-ATPase activity, disrupting selenium-catalyzed sulfhydryl oxidation-reduction reactions and intracellular ion concentrations, respectively. Silver nanoparticles are believed to disrupt the mitochondrial respiratory chain, causing oxidative stress, reduced ATP synthesis, and DNA damage. (L808, A243, A244, A245, A246, L97)

Potassium silver cyanide

Reproductive

5 x 10 ^-3 mg/kg-day

No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).

Exposure to high levels of cyanide for a short time harms the brain and heart and can even cause coma, seizures, apnea, cardiac arrest and death. Chronic inhalation of cyanide causes breathing difficulties, chest pain, vomiting, blood changes, headaches, and enlargement of the thyroid gland. Skin contact with cyanide salts can irritate and produce sores. Exposure to high levels of silver for a long period of time may result in a condition called arygria, a blue-gray discoloration of the skin and other body tissues. Argyria is a permanent effect but does not appear to be harmful to health. While silver itself is not toxic, most silver salts are, and may damage the liver, kidney, and central nervous system, as well as be carcinogenic. (L808, L809, L810, L96, L97)

Inhalation (L96) ; oral (L96) ; dermal (L96)

Cyanide poisoning is identified by rapid, deep breathing and shortness of breath, general weakness, giddiness, headaches, vertigo, confusion, convulsions/seizures and eventually loss of consciousness. Exposure to high levels of silver for a long period of time may result in a condition called arygria, a blue-gray discoloration of the skin and other body tissues. Argyria is a permanent effect but does not appear to be harmful to health. Exposure to high levels of silver in the air has resulted in breathing problems, lung and throat irritation, and stomach pains. Skin contact with silver can cause mild allergic reactions such as rash, swelling, and inflammation in some people. (L808, L96, L97)

Other Poison - Chemical Asphyxiant

IRIS Current

HEAST Current

LD50: 20.9 mg/kg (Oral, Rat) (T14)

LD50 Rat oral 20,900 ug/kg

Antidotes to cyanide poisoning include hydroxocobalamin and sodium nitrite, which release the cyanide from the cytochrome system, and rhodanase, which is an enzyme occurring naturally in mammals that combines serum cyanide with thiosulfate, producing comparatively harmless thiocyanate. Oxygen therapy can also be administered. (L97)

Basic Treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 l/min. Administer amyl nitrite ampules as per protocol and physician order ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . /Cyanide and related compounds/

Advanced Treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious or in respiratory arrest. Positive pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Start an IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Administer cyanide antidote kit as per protocol and physician order ... . Monitor and treat cardiac arrhythmias if necessary ... . Consider vasopressors to treat hypotension without signs of hypovolemia ... . Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Cyanide and related compounds/

Although a variety of agents are effective antidotes in the experimental animal (nitrites, dimethylaminophenol, cobalt EDTA, hydroxocobalamin, stroma-free methemoglobin solutions, pyruvate, thiosulfate, sulfur sulfanes, mercaptopyruvate, oxygen) only the three-step Eli-Lilly cyanide kit is approved in the US. /Cyanide/

The use of the combination consisting of 4 g of hydroxoycobalamin and 8 g of sodium thiosulfate as an antidote in cases of cyanide poisoning is reviewed. The antidote, which has been used in France since 1970, has proved to be nontoxic and therefore can be given in cases where the diagnosis of cyanide poisoning is not absolutely certain. On the other hand, the Lilly Cyanide Antidote Kit, which has been approved for use in the USA for the same purpose, has been shown to be toxic and its use requires caution. The antidotal effectiveness of the association of hydroxoycobalamin and sodium thiosulfate has been demonstrated in mice and other animal species poisoned with cyanide. Most animal studies reveal a strong antidotal synergism between the two agents. In France, the efficacy of the antidotal combination has been proved in patients who have ingested as much as 1.5 g of potassium cyanide and have blood cyanide levels on the order of 15 ug/ml. In the USA, the antidotal combination is designated as an orphan drug by the FDA and studies have been started to validate its safety and efficacy before being approved for use in this country. /Cyanide/

/SRP: For patients treated with nitrites:/ Measurement of methemoglobin may be useful for assessing exposure. However, methemoglobin levels may be artificially low if not analyzed within a few hours after drawing the blood. Methemoglobin levels have been found to correlate with clinical symptoms in most cases. /Cyanide/

Initial medical examination /should include/: a complete history and physical examination ... to detect existing conditions that might place the exposed employee at incr risk & to establish a baseline for future health monitoring. ... Examination of cardiovascular, nervous, & upper resp systems, & thyroid should be stressed. The skin should be exam for evidence of chronic disorders. ... The aforementioned medical exam should be repeated on an annual basis. ... /Cyanides/

Special attention should be given to other sources of silver exposure, for example, medications or previous occupational exposure. Inspection of the nasal septum, eyes, and throat will generally give incidence of pigmentation before generalized argyria occurs. This will usually be seen first in the ear lobes, face and hands. /Silver & cmpd/

Pre-placement and periodic examinations should include the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, liver and kidney function, blood, history of fainting and dizzy spells. Blood cyanide levels may be useful during acute intoxication. Urinary thiocyanate levels have been used but are nonspecific and are elevated in smokers. /Cyanides/

Arterial Blood Gases: Arterial blood gases may be useful for monitoring of metabolic acidosis that can occur from cyanide poisoning. /Cyanide/

For more Medical Surveillance (Complete) data for POTASSIUM SILVER CYANIDE (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SYMPTOMATOLOGY: 1. Massive doses may produce, without warning, sudden loss of consciousness and prompt death from respiratory arrest. With smaller but still lethal doses, the illness may be prolonged for 1 or more hours. 2. Upon ingestion, a bitter, acrid, burning taste is sometimes noted, followed by a feeling of constriction or numbness in the throat. Salivation, nausea and vomiting are not unusual ... 3. Anxiety, confusion, vertigo, giddiness, and often a sensation of stiffness in the lower jaw. 4. Hyperpnea and dyspnea. Respirations become very rapid and then slow and irregular. Inspiration is characteristically short while expiration is greatly prolonged. 5. The odor of bitter almonds may be noted on the breath or vomitus ... 6. In the early phases of poisoning, an increase in vasoconstrictor tone causes a rise in blood pressure and reflex slowing of the heart rate. Thereafter the pulse becomes rapid, weak, and sometimes irregular ... A bright pink coloration of the skin due to high concentrations of oxyhemoglobin in the venous return may be confused with that of carbon monoxide poisoning. /Cyanide/

SYMPTOMATOLOGY: 7. Unconsciousness, followed promptly by violent convulsions, epileptiform, or tonic, sometimes localized but usually generalized. Opisthotonos and trismus may develop. Involuntary micturition and defecation occur. 8. Paralysis follows the convulsive stage. The skin is covered with sweat. The eyeballs protrude, and the pupils are dilated and unreactive. The mouth is covered with foam, which is sometimes bloodstained. ... The skin color may be brick red. Cyanosis is not prominent in spite of weak and irregular gasping. In the unconscious patient, bradycardia and the absence of cyanosis may be key diagnostic signs. 9. Death from respiratory arrest. As long as the heart beat continues, prompt and vigorous treatment offers some promise of survival. /Cyanide/

MOST SPECIFIC PATHOLOGICAL FINDING IN ACUTE CASES /OF CYANIDE POISONING/ IS BRIGHT RED COLOR OF VENOUS BLOOD. THIS IS STRIKING, VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF INABILITY OF TISSUE CELLS TO UTILIZE OXYGEN ... VENOUS BLOOD IS ONLY ABOUT 1 VOL % LOWER IN OXYGEN CONTENT THAN ARTERIAL BLOOD ... /CYANIDES/

WORKERS IN ELECTROPLATING INDUST HAVE SHOWN DERMATITIS TO BE A PROBLEM. ALSO REPORTED WERE ITCHING, SCARLET RASH, PAPULES ... IRRITATION OF NOSE, LEADING TO OBSTRUCTION, BLEEDING, SLOUGHS AND IN SOME CASES PERFORATION OF SEPTUM. /CYANIDES/

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for POTASSIUM SILVER CYANIDE (17 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

IN EXPTL ANIMALS, DEMONSTRATION OF EFFECTS OF CYANIDE POISONING ON RETINA & OPTIC NERVE HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL PRINCIPALLY WITH ACUTE SEVERE, NEAR-LETHAL OR LETHAL POISONINGS. /CYANIDES/

IN RABBITS, AFTER SUBLETHAL DOSES OF CYANIDE, CHANGES IN ELECTRORETINOGRAM HAVE BEEN OBSERVED. /CYANIDE/

THE COMPLEX CYANIDE, SILVER POTASSIUM CYANIDE WAS MORE TOXIC THAN THE /SILVER NITRATE/ BY A FACTOR OF ABOUT 2.

IN THE CASE OF HYDROCYANIC ACID AND CYANIDES /IN VERY HIGH DOSES/, DEATH USUALLY OCCURS /IN ANIMALS/ WITHIN A FEW SECONDS: THERE MAY BE CONVULSIONS, PARALYSIS, STUPOR, & CESSATION OF RESPIRATION BEFORE THAT OF HEARTBEATS. /CYANIDES/

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for POTASSIUM SILVER CYANIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

WORKERS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES OF KIDNEYS, RESPIRATORY TRACT, SKIN OR THYROID ARE @ GREATER RISK OF DEVELOPING TOXIC CYANIDE EFFECTS THAN ARE HEALTHY WORKERS. /CYANIDE/

3.90e+02

5.80e+03

8.20e+01

2.00e+02

5.00e-03

3.90e+02

5.80e+03

8.20e+01

2.00e+02

5.00e-03

Volatile

1.20e+03

1.80e+04

2.50e+02

Silver or soluble silver compounds can affect the body if they are inhaled or if they come in contact with the eyes or skin. They can also affect the body if they are swallowed. /Silver metal and soluble silver compounds/

... SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC DISEASE ... REPORTED IN ELECTROPLATERS & SILVER POLISHERS AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF EXPOSURE. /CYANIDES/

DERMATITIS ... IN WORKERS CHRONICALLY EXPOSED TO CYANIDE SOLN. ELECTROPLATERS SUFFER FROM SUCH IRRITATION. /CYANIDE SOLN/

The following list incl some common operations in which exposure to silver metal cmpd may occur ... 1. Liberation during mining and purification from ore; during refining from secondary sources 2. Use in manufacture of silver nitrate for use in photography, mirrors, plating, inks, dyes, and porcelain; and as germicides, antiseptics, caustics, and analytical reagents 3. Use in manufacture of silver salts as catalysts in oxidation-reduction and polymerization reactions; in chemical synthesis; in glass manufacture , in silver-plating, in photography, as lab reagents, and in medicine 4. Liberation from manufacture and casting of alloys; during fabrication of silver metal, alloys, and bimetals for electrical uses; and during electroplating operations and fabrication of solders and brazing alloys; during manufacture and use of photographic chemicals and materials; during manufacture of mirrors, and during manufacture of silver powder pigments and paints /Silver metal & sol silver cmpd/

A total body burden from 1 to 5 g of silver will lead to generalized argyria. /Silver metal and soluble silver compounds/

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number D003; P099; D011, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Potassium silver cyanide is a poor candidate for incineration.

Cyanide salts should not be flushed into any drain which may contain or subsequently receive acid waste. ... Cyanide process waste solutions and flushings from spills should be passed through a cyanide waste disposal system. /Cyanide salts/