Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)
CAS Number:
74-90-8
Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is an extremely toxic colorless gas or liquid with a faint almond-like odor, though a significant portion of the population cannot detect it by smell. It inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, effectively shutting down cellular respiration and causing rapid asphyxiation at high doses. HCN is generated during combustion of nitrogen-containing materials, in metal plating operations, chemical synthesis, fumigation, and certain mining processes (gold and silver extraction via cyanidation). Acute exposure at even moderate concentrations can be rapidly fatal, making real-time personal monitoring and emergency response planning critical in any workplace where HCN may be present.
Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is an extremely toxic gas that can cause rapid, life-threatening effects in industrial settings and during fire and incident response. Rent HCN detection equipment from RAECO Rents to support confined space screening, area monitoring, and emergency response where cyanide hazards may be present. Our rental instruments are well maintained and backed by responsive support to help teams monitor safely in the field.
