Registration Dossier

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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Administrative data

Description of key information

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Skin sensitisation

Endpoint conclusion
Endpoint conclusion:
no adverse effect observed (not sensitising)
Additional information:

The conduct of skin sensitisation studies according to established protocols is not feasible, as dermally applied solutions of cyanide salts would result in high acute systemic toxicity before immunologic sensitisation occurs. Risk management measures, including gloves and other barriers, as dictated by classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) 1272/2008, will protect against sensitisation as well as acute toxicity effects and irritation.


Migrated from Short description of key information:
The systemic toxicity of cyanides is sufficiently high that systemic intoxication and death are likely to occur before the development of inflammatory sensitisation effects on the skin

Respiratory sensitisation

Endpoint conclusion
Endpoint conclusion:
no adverse effect observed (not sensitising)
Additional information:

No information is available concerning respiratory sensitisation. While respiratory sensitisation can not be excluded especially with solution, appropriate measures have to be applied to avoid inhalation of the substances, due to the high systemic potential. Risk management measures, including local exhaust ventilation and respirators are dictated by the classification in Annex VI of Regulation (EC) 1272/2000, and will protect against both acute inhalation toxicity and respiratory sensitisation.


Migrated from Short description of key information:
While respiratory sensitisation can not be excluded, especially with solutions of NaCN, appropriate measures have to be implemented to avoid inhalation of the offending substances.

Justification for classification or non-classification

There is insufficient evidence to classify cyanide salts as dermal or respiratory sensitisers. The listing of cyanide salts in Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 does not indicate that cyanide salts are sensitisers. The systemic toxicity of cyanides is sufficiently high that systemic intoxication and death are likely to occur before the development of immune effects in the skin or lung. The risk management measures designed to protect against acute systemic toxicity will also protect against sensitisation.