Common Name: Barium Cyanide CAS Number: 542-62-1 DOT Number: UN 1565 Date: August 1, 1987 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Barium Cyanide can affect you when breathed and by passing through skin. * Exposure can cause weakness, headaches, nausea and vomiting, gasping for air, collapse and even death from Cyanide poisoning. * On contact with acids, acid mists, or acid salts, flammable Cyanide gas is formed which can cause rapid poisoning. * After repeated exposure, Barium may show up as spots in the lungs on chest x-ray. * Some Barium chemicals are contaminated with Silica, which scars the lungs. IDENTIFICATION Barium Cyanide is a white, crystalline (sugar or sand-like) solid which is used in metallurgy and electroplating. It can be present in solution. REASON FOR CITATION * Barium Cyanide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH and DOT. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910. 20. * If you think you are experiencing any work-related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS * These exposure limits are recommended for all soluble Barium compounds (measured as Ba). OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.5 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.5 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift. * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits listed above. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Barium Cyanide and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Barium Cyanide to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Barium Cyanide: * Exposure can cause Cyanide poisoning, with headaches, weakness, confusion, gasping for air, collapse and death. * If Barium Cyanide is near acid or acid mist, deadly Cyanide is released and rapid poisoning can occur. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Barium Cyanide and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Barium Cyanide has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Barium Cyanide has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long-Term Effects * Repeated exposure can interfere with the thyroid gland's normal functioning, causing enlarged thyroid (goiter). * Repeated exposure to Barium compounds may cause "spots" to appear on chest x-ray. This is not known to cause any harm. * Some Barium compounds are contaminated with Silica, which can scar the lungs. MEDICAL Medical Testing For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV or greater, or significant skin contact), the following are recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that: * Urine thiocyanate test (most accurate if done soon after exposure). If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Blood Cyanide level. * Evaluation of thyroid function. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Mixed Exposures * Industrial grade Barium compounds may contain Silica. If so, overexposure can lead to gradual lung scarring which can resemble Barium spots on chest x-ray, but Silica scarring reduces lung function. Find out whether you Barium Cyanide contains Silica. * Cigarettes contain some Cyanide, so smokers may have some increase in Cyanide levels on testing. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following control is recommended: * Where possible, automatically transfer Barium Cyanide from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Barium Cyanide should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Barium Cyanide. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Barium Cyanide, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Barium Cyanide is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during cleanup. Do not dry sweep. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Barium Cyanide. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. Eye Protection * Wear splash-proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid , unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. * Wear dust-proof goggles when working with powders or dust, unless full face-piece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection * IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 0.5 mg/m3, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode. ADDITIONAL WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS RECOMMENDED FOR CYANIDES OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 5 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour work-shift. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 mg/m3, which should not be exceeded during any 10 minute work period. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift. Common Name: Barium Cyanide DOT Number: UN 1565 DOT Emergency Guide code: 53 CAS Number: 542-62-1 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY Not Found REACTIVITY Not Found ---------------------------------------- CONTACT WITH ACIDS AND ACID SALTS FORMS DEADLY, FLAMMABLE HYDROGEN CYANIDE GAS POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Barium Cyanide does not burn, but contact with acids, acid salts, or Carbon Dioxide in air may produce HIGHLY FLAMMABLE Hydrogen Cyanide gas. * Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Cyanide. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Barium Cyanide is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until clean-up is complete. * Ventilate the area of spill or leak. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Barium Cyanide as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Barium Cyanide you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Barium Cyanide must be stored to avoid contact with ACIDS; ACID SALTS (such as POTASSIUM BISULFATE, CALCIUM BIPHOSPHATE and CALCIUM NITRATE); CARBON DIOXIDE and STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as NITRATES, CHLORATES and CHLORINE) since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area. FIRST AID Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Skin Contact * Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with water. Seek medical attention. If Symptoms Develop * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. PHYSICAL DATA Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Barium Cyanide [Ba(CN)2] Other Names and Formulations: Barium Dicyanide. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 (609) 984-2202 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Barium is a yellowish-white solid which exists in a variety of salt forms. Barium and its salts have a wide variety of applications, including uses in nuclear reactors, electronic tubes, as additives in lubricating oils, in the manufacture of pyrotechnics and explosives, in tanning and finishing leathers, as a mordant for fabrics and dyes, in electroplating, aluminum refining, and rubber manufacture; and in the production of paints and enamels. Barium may enter the environment from industrial and municipal waste treatment plant discharges, or spills. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Barium and its salts have moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of barium or its salts to plants, birds, or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Barium and its salts have moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of barium or its salts to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Most of the barium salts are either highly or moderately soluble in water. Concentrations of 1 to 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Barium is highly persistent in water, with a half-life greater than 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of barium found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.