Registration Dossier
Registration Dossier
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EC number: 200-821-6 | CAS number: 74-90-8
Endpoint summary
Administrative data
Description of key information
Irritation and corrosion studies are not relevant for HCN, due to the extremely high acute toxicity of the substance. HCN is absorbed via the skin, eye, lung and gastrointestinal tract. Acute toxicity and possibly lethality occur before irritation develops.
Key value for chemical safety assessment
Skin irritation / corrosion
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- no study available
Eye irritation
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- no study available
Respiratory irritation
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- no study available
Additional information
Testing for skin and eye irritation is not scientifically indicated, due to the high acute toxicity of HCN. The amount of test material required in a standard skin and eye irritation study (500 and 100 mg/animal, respectively) is considerably above the level of systemic toxicity of cyanide. For example, for HCN, the dermal LD50 in rabbits is 2.34 mg/kg bw in abraded skin, and the ocular toxicity is 1.04 mg/kg bw. Recommended precautions for handling of HCN include respiratory protection to prevent lung inhalation, and barrier protection for eye and skin.
Justification for classification or non-classification
Classification as a skin or eye irritant is not appropriate as no reliable data exists. The extremely high acute toxicity of HCN indicates that it is classified as an acute toxicant, with appropriate warnings to avoid skin and eye contact. In this way, irritation effects will be precluded.
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