Hydrogen cyanide is an industrial viable chemical compound with the formula HCN and a structure of H-C=N. It's characterized as a colorless gas or liquid with an almond-like odor that irritates the eyes, and respiratory tract, and has toxic systemic effects. HCN is naturally present in many food and plants— small doses aren't a problem for people as cyanide is converted to thiocyanate and eliminated from the body.
It is manufactured from ammonia and natural gas and is used for industrial purposes as a precursor to many chemical compounds ranging from polymers to pharmaceuticals. The risk for industrial workers is explosion hazards if in the presence of heat, chemical asphyxiant in poorly ventilated areas, and unintentional generation. HCN is also found in various tobacco products and is released by the combustion of nitrogen-containing organic materials. As an indicator of it's high level of toxicity, in the past, this compound has been used as a chemical weapon agent.
Type: Electrochemical
Range: 0-30 ppm (0.1ppm resolution)
Low Alarm: 4.7 ppm
High Alarm: 10ppm
STEL — 15 minute — Short Term Exposure Limit: 10 ppm
TWA — 8 hour time weighted average: 4.7 ppm