FORMALDEHYDE CYANOHYDRIN

Odorless colorless oil with a sweetish taste. Used in the manufacture of intermediates in pharmaceutical production, as a component of synthetic resins, as a chemical intermediate for organic compounds, and as a solvent. (EPA, 1998)

• Polymerizable

Water soluble.

Moderate explosion hazard when exposed to heat or by spontaneous chemical reaction in the presence of alkalies if uninhibited. When heated to decomposition, it emits highly toxic fumes of cyanide and nitrogen oxides. Unstable, may explode on standing. Hazardous polymerization may occur. avoid the presence of alkalis, and exposure to heat. (EPA, 1998)

Extremely toxic, exposure by any route should be avoided; may have fatal consequences; death from asphyxiation may occur similar to that resulting from hydrogen cyanide. (EPA, 1998)

FORMALDEHYDE CYANOHYDRIN may undergo spontaneous and violent decomposition. Traces of alkali (base) promote violent polymerization [Lewis].

• Alcohols and Polyols
• Nitriles
• Polymerizable Compounds

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
• Dirt/Earth

Excerpt from 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:

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 car or tank truck 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, 2020)

(Non-Specific -- Acetonitrile) Cool containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far away as possible. Avoid breathing vapors. Keep upwind. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus. Avoid bodily contact with the material. Wear boots, protective gloves, and goggles.

(Non-Specific -- Acetonitrile) Do not extinguish fire if material is leaking and flow cannot be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use alcohol foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical. (EPA, 1998)

(Non-Specific -- Acetonitrile) Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Use water spray to disperse vapors and dilute standing pools of liquid. Avoid breathing vapors. Keep upwind. Avoid bodily contact with the material. (EPA, 1998)

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Glycolonitrile:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.

Provide:
• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.
• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2023)

No information available.

Warning: Formaldehyde cyanohydrin exposure by any route (oral, dermal, inhalation) may produce cyanide poisoning.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Formaldehyde Cyanohydrin Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to formaldehyde cyanohydrin include nausea, vomiting, headache and lassitude for slight concentrations. Seriously poisoned victims may develop severe lassitude, confusion, anxiety, respiratory depression, palpitations tachycardia (rapid heart beat), hyperpnea (rapid breathing), tightness of the chest, shock, coma, and seizures. Dermatologic effects may include faint erythema (redness of the skin) and macular papular vesicular dermatitis.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to formaldehyde cyanohydrin 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 formaldehyde cyanohydrin.
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. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Rush to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to formaldehyde cyanohydrin.
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. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Rush to a health care facility.

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. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
3. DO NOT induce vomiting.
4. Activated charcoal may be administered to conscious and alert victims during transport to local hospital. Use 15 to 30 gm (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 gm (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 ml (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
6. Rush to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

• ACETONITRILE, HYDROXY-
• ALPHA- HYDROXYACETONITRILE
• ALPHA-HYDROXYMETHYLCYANIDE
• CYANOMETHANOL
• CYANOMETHYL ALCOHOL
• FORMALDEHYDE CYANOHYDRIN
• FORMALDEHYDE, CYANOHYDRIN
• GLYCOLIC NITRILE
• GLYCOLONITRILE
• GLYCONITRILE
• HYDROXYACETONITRILE
• 2-HYDROXYACETONITRILE
• HYDROXYMETHYL CYANIDE
• HYDROXYMETHYLNITRILE
• 2-HYDROXYMETHYLNITRILE
• METHYLENE CYANOHYDRIN
• USAF A-8565