The adverse effects of hydrogen cyanamide on human health: an evaluation of inquiries to the New Zealand National Poisons Centre

Abstract

Introduction. Hydrogen cyanamide is used in New Zealand to induce bud break in kiwifruit vines. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the calls received by the New Zealand National Poisons Centre (NZNPC) attributed to acute hydrogen cyanamide exposure, and to ascertain the clinical effects of such exposures. Methods. Call data from the NZNPC telephone collection databases regarding human hydrogen cyanamide exposures were analyzed retrospectively for the years 1990–2006. Results. There were 68 human exposures, 69% were male and 22% female; 88% were adults and there were no suicide attempts. Common exposure routes were inhalation (56%) and skin contact (28%). The workplace accounted for 45% of calls. The predominant toxic effects were nausea and vomiting (29%), headache (22%), contact dermatitis (19%), and erythema (18%). Discussion. Reported symptoms and signs were consistent with the expected effects of hydrogen cyanamide exposure. Other reports of similar exposures describe higher degrees of illnesses among workers using hydrogen cyanamide, which might have been because of lack of training, inadequate access to personal protective equipment, and the absence of engineering controls. Conclusions. Based on the calls received by the NZNPC, acute exposure to hydrogen cyanamide in the workplace or acute exposure to those living within the vicinity of its use may not pose a significant immediate threat to human health.

Keywords:

• Hydrogen cyanamide
• Workplace exposure
• Human health