In any work setting that involves the handling of cyanide, safety is of utmost concern. Cyanide toxicity to humans, birds, fish and other wildlife has been studied for many years and is well understood. This information, coupled with a properly developed and administered cyanide management plan, allows operations to safely handle cyanide without undue risk to workers or the environment.

The following are sources of technical information dealing with the toxicity and environmental behavior of cyanide.

Human Health

Toxicological Profile for Cyanide
In 1997, the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) developed a comprehensive toxicological profile for cyanide. The profile includes health effects, production and use, potential for exposure, toxicity and regulations along with an extensive reference list. This profile was updated in 2004, and both the 1997 and 2004 versions are available below. A short summary of the profile is provided in an ATSDR ToxFAQs file for cyanide.
Download the 1997 Profile (5.6 MB)
Download the 2004 Profile (2.0 MB)
ToxFAQ de Cianuro en Español (31 kB)
Resumen de Salud Pública - Cianuro (70 kB)

Hydrogen Cyanide and Cyanides: Human Health Aspects
The World Health Organization published in 2004 a review of human health aspects associated with cyanide.
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Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Sodium Cyanide (NaCN)
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USEPA Fact Sheet on Cyanide
The USEPA has a consumer fact sheet describing cyanide and its regulation in drinking water. Details

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The U.S.Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has a compilation of publications dealing with the human health and safety aspects of cyanide. Details

National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH)
The National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) publishes general safety & health information for a large number of chemicals including hydrogen cyanide.

Health Guideline for Hydrogen Cyanide
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guideline summarizing pertinent information about hydrogen cyanide exposure for workers and employers. Details

Cyanide in Drinking Water
The California Environmental Protection Agency has published a document describing the public health goal for cyanide in drinking water, which is a concentration of less than 0.15 mg/L.
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Cyanide Air Emissions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has published a document discussing air emissions of cyanide compounds.
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Occupational Exposure to Cyanide
The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published a report with recommended criteria for occupational exposure to several cyanide compounds, including hydrogen cyanide, sodium cyanide, potassium cyanide and calcium cyanide.
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Public Health Assessment of Cyanide Air Emissions
The USEPA was recently petitioned to complete a study of cyanide in the air at a U.S. gold mine.  The USEPA concluded in 2000 that cyanide levels at the mine and in nearby residential areas are not at levels of health concern. Details

Cyanide Poisoning & Medical Response

Publication on Cyanide Poisoning from WorkSafe Australia
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US Army Publication on Cyanide Toxicology
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Cyanide Antidotes
Details

Environmental Behavior

Cyanide Hazards to Fish, Wildlife, and Invertebrates: A Synoptic Review
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service report by Ronald Eisler, December 1991.
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The Cyanide Cycle
The Cyanide Cycle is a graphical representation of the various chemical, physical and biological reactions associated with cyanide compounds in the natural environment.
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Preventing and Responding to Cyanide Spills
Dr. Terry Mudder recently prepared a document discussing the prevention and response to cyanide spills.
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Assessing Risks

Cyanide Poisoning Statistics
According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), during 2004 there were 163 cases of cyanide poisonings in the US, 8 of which resulted in death and none of which occurred in the mining or metal plating industries (most were intentional suicides). By way of comparison, in that same year 24 deaths were attributed to marijuana use, 8 to pesticides exposure, 74 to carbon monoxide poisoning, 2 to the use of mouthwash, and 2 to exposure to air fresheners.
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