Agent Name |
Cyanamide |
CAS Number |
420-04-2 |
Formula |
C-H2-N2 |
Major Category |
Nitrogen Compounds |
Synonyms |
Amidocyanogen; Carbimide; Carbodiimide; Cyanogen nitride; Hydrogen cyanamide [Note: Cyanamide is also a synonym for Calcium cyanamide.] [NIOSH] |
Category |
Other Nitrogen Compounds |
Description |
Deliquescent, crystalline solid; [CHEMINFO] |
Sources/Uses |
Used in the organic synthesis of dicyandiamide in melamine manufacturing; also used in fumigants, metal cleaners, ore refining, and synthetic rubber production; [ACGIH] |
Comments |
Cyanamide can irritate the skin, but it does not cause cyanide poisoning. [Allergic contact dermatitis from cyanamide: report of 3 cases. Goday Bujan JJ, et al. Contact Dermatitis. 1994 Nov;31(5):331-2. No abstract available.] Abstract in NIOSHTIC # 192164; May cause antabuse-like effect in exposed workers who ingest alcohol; [ACGIH] Can cause liver injury after ingestion; [HSDB] |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
TLV (ACGIH) |
2 mg/m3 |
MAK |
1 mg/m3, inhalable fraction |
Reference Link |
International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO) |
Flammability (NFPA) |
3: may ignite at ambient temperature |
Adverse Effects |
Skin Sensitizer |
Yes |
Hepatotoxin |
Hepatotoxin, Secondary |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: CYANAMIDE
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