| Chemical Properties | white to yellowish powder(s); used in metallurgy [HAW93] |
| General Description | A white to yellowish powder. Toxic by skin absorption, by ingestion, and by inhalation of dust, or hydrogen cyanide produced by slight decomposition. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen in fires. |
| Air & Water Reactions | Slightly soluble in water and gradually decomposed by water evolving poisonous and flammable hydrogen cyanide. |
| Reactivity Profile | LEAD CYANATE is decomposed by acids to give off hydrogen cyanide, a flammable poisonous gas. Tends to explosive instability. Capable of violent oxidation: fusion with metal chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates or nitrites can cause explosions [Bretherick, 1979 p. 101]. Reacts with incandescence with magnesium [Mellor, 1940, Vol. 4, 271]. |
| Health Hazard | Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. |
| Fire Hazard | Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. |
