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Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) Gas Detectors

Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is a highly toxic chemical compound. It can be found in liquid form below 78°F (25.6°C) or as a colorless gas above 78°F (25.6°C). HCN is used in many processes, such as fumigating, electroplating, mining, chemical synthesizing, and producing synthetic fibers, plastics, dyes, and pesticides. Hydrogen cyanide may be released during reactions between cyanide and acid or during a nitrile fire or combustion. Hydrogen cyanide is extremely flammable and most often detected in its toxic form with an HCN gas detector.

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Characteristics of Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)

Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is a colorless to pale blue liquid or gas. It has a distinct odor resembling bitter almonds. Hydrogen cyanide is particularly dangerous because of its toxic/asphyxiating effects on all life that requires oxygen to survive. HCN combines with the enzymes in tissue associated with cellular oxidation, rendering oxygen unavailable to the tissues and causing death by asphyxia. This suspension only lasts while the cyanide is present. Upon its removal, normal function is restored provided death has not occurred.

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HYDROGEN CYANIDE - HCN

Hazard:
Non-flammable
Will explode, LEL 5.6%
Classification:
Health
Extremely toxic
Synonyms:
Formonitrile, Hydrocyanic acid, Prussic acid
Exposure limits:
(OSHA)
PEL\TWA: 10 ppm
(ACGIH)
STEL: N/A
(OSHA)
IDLH: 50 ppm / 30 min.
Industries:
Used in the leaching of precious metals, i.e. gold, chemical plants, insecticides

Effects of Various HCN Levels

HCN Level in PPM
Resulting Conditions on Humans
10
Permissible Exposure Limit (OSHA).
10-50
Headache, dizziness, unsteadiness.
50-100
Feeling of suffocation, nausea.
100-200
Death from exposure in 30 to 60 minutes.

How to Detect Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)

Industrial Scientific provides the GasBadge® Pro personal single-gas detector, the Ventis® Pro5 and the MX6 iBrid® multi-gas detectors, and the Radius® BZ1 Area Monitor to accurately monitor unsafe levels of hydrogen cyanide (HCN).

Area Monitor

Radius BZ1

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Multi-Gas Monitor

Ventis Pro5

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Multi-Gas Monitor

MX6 iBrid

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Single-Gas Monitor

GasBadge Pro

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)?

Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) is a colorless, highly poisonous liquid or gas with a faint, bitter almond odor. It's used in industrial processes like fumigation, mining, and production of synthetic fibers, plastics, and dyes. 

Why is Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) detection important?

Detecting HCN is crucial due to its high toxicity. Even low-level exposure can be fatal. Early detection ensures safety in industrial settings, preventing harmful exposure and enabling prompt evacuation and medical intervention. 

What are the health effects of Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN exposure?

HCN exposure can cause symptoms like headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and confusion. Severe exposure can lead to respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death. Immediate medical attention is critical. 

How do you detect Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)?

HCN is detected using gas detection instruments such as portable personal gas monitors and area monitors. These devices provide real-time monitoring to ensure workplace safety and compliance with occupational health standards. Industrial Scientific offers a range of HCN detectors, including both monitors and gas detection software. 

Need help deciding which hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas detector best fits your application?

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