Cyanamide

Synonyms

Amidocyanogen; Carbimide; Carbodiimide; Cyanogen nitride; Hydrogen cyanamide [Note: Cyanamide is also a synonym for Calcium cyanamide.] [NIOSH]

Category

Cyanamides

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

The TLV basis for cyanamide is skin and eye irritation; May cause antabuse-like effect in exposed workers who ingest alcohol; [ACGIH] Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported. [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] Can cause liver injury after ingestion; [HSDB] Danger of skin sensitization; [MAK]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

2 mg/m3

0.35 mg/m3 (can also occur as vapor and aerosol)

Reference Link #2

may ignite at ambient temp

Yes

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic
• Fumigants, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Pesticides)
• Metal Extraction and Refining