CAS Number: 74-90-8. A naturally occurring substance found in a
number of foods and plants. It found in the air as a result of
the combustion of gasoline in automobile engines. It is also
emitted during chemical processing and other industries, as well
as from incineration of municipal waste. It is also released in
cigarette smoke. Chemical formula = CN. Molecular weight = 27.02
g/mol.
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Cyanide is used in a number of industries and is found at low
levels in air from car exhaust. Cyanide is extremely toxic to
humans. Chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure of humans to
cyanide results primarily in effects on the central nervous
system (CNS). Other effects in humans include cardiovascular and
respiratory effects, an enlarged thyroid gland, and irritation to
the eyes and skin. No data are available on the carcinogenic
effects of cyanide in humans via inhalation. Animal studies have
suggested that oral exposure to cassava (a cyanide-containing
vegetable) may be associated with malformations in the fetus and
low fetal body weights. EPA has classified cyanide as a Group D,
not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.