There is no cyanide in Pyrodex. If there was, it would have to be listed in the Material Data Safety Sheet.
The information below is a copy of the Hodgdon Pyrodex MSDS
"...
Section II. HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS/IDENTITY INFORMATION
Hazardous Components
(Chemical Identity: Common Name(s) OSHA PEL ACGIH TLV Other Limits %(optional)
Charcoal NA NA NA
Sulfur NA NA NA
Potassium Nitrate NA NA NA
Potassium Perchlorate NA NA NA
Graphite NA 2.5 mg/m3 Respirable Dust
Other: Other ingredients are trade secrets, but can be disclosed per 29 CFR 1910.1200(i)
Section III. PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Boiling Point Not Applicable Specific Gravity (H2O =1): Bulk density is 0.75 (g/cc)
Vapor Pressure (mm HG): Not Applicable Melting Point: Not Applicable
Vapor Density (AIR = 1) Not Applicable Evaporation Rate: Not Applicable
Solubility in Water: Partially (Butyl Acetate = 1)
Appearance and Odor: Medium to dark pray granular solid. Slight odor when ignited.
Section IV. FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA
Auto-ignition Temperature: 740 (F) (Pellets: 500[f]) Flammable Limits: N/A LEL: N/A UEL: N/A
Extinguishing Media: For unattended fire prevention, water can be used to disburse burning Pyrodex. Pyrodex has its own oxygen supply, so flame
smothering techniques are ineffective. Water may be used on unburnt Pyrodex to retard further spread of fire.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Pyrodex is extremely flammable and may deflagrate. Get away and evacuate the area.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: As with any pyrotechnic, if under confinement or piled in moderate quantities, Pyrodex can explode
violently, toxic fumes such as sulfur dioxide are emitted while burning.
Section V. REACTIVITY DATA
Stability Unstable: Conditions to Avoid: Avoid storage at temperatures above 150[F],
Stable: X impact, hot embers, sparks and static discharges.
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Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid) Metal powders and acids
Hazardous Decomposition or Byproducts: CO, CO2, SO2, non-metallic oxides, and suspended particulate matter from burning.
Hazardous May Occur: Conditions to Avoid: Not known to occur.
Polymerization: Will Not Occur: X
Section VI. HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Route(s) of Entry: Inhalation?: Yes Skin?: Yes Ingestion?: Yes
Health Hazards (acute and Chronic): TLV unknown for ingestion of dust, Acute oral LD50 in rats is calculated to be 4.0 [g/kg body weight].
Carcinogenicity: No NTP? No IARC? No OSHA regulated?: No
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure: Burning or itching of the eye, nose, or skin; shortness of breath.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Some people may be unusually sensitive to the product.
Emergency and First Aid Procedures: Remove patient from exposure, and if skin contact, wash affected area with copious amounts of water.
Section VII. PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE
Steps to Be Taken in Case Material is Released of Spilled: Do not smoke in the area. Powder should be scooped or swept up using non-sparking,
conductive tools. This should be done in a manner so that no dusting occurs.
Waste Disposal Method: Wet thoroughly with water to dissolve the powder. Comply with all federal, state, and local laws.
Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storing: Pyrodex is a solid propellant which is designed to propell a mass. Thus appropriate care should
be taken to avoid heavy confinement and ignition sources such as, but not limited to, heat, static discharge, embers, friction, and impact. ..."
For the curious, here is what the two oxidizers used in Pyrodex consist of:
Potassium perchlorate consists of potassium, chlorine and oxygen.
Potassium nitrage consists of potassium, nitrogen and oxygen.
