There is inadequate evidence to state whether or not cyanide compounds have the potential to cause cancer from lifetime exposures in drinking water. Other cyanides such as dichlobenil, bromoxynil and bantrol, are used as herbicides. Tabun is used as a chemical warfare agent.
Potassium cyanide is used for silver plating and for dyes and specialty products.
The major sources of cyanide releases to water are reported to be discharges from metal finishing industries, iron and steel mills, and organic chemical industries. Releases to soil appear to be primarily from disposal of cyanide wastes in landfills and the use of cyanide-containing road salts. Cyanide released to air from car exhaust is expected to exist almost entirely as hydrogen cyanide gas. Some foods may also naturally contain cyanides, including lima beans and almonds. Chlorination treatment of some wastewaters can produce chloroacetonitriles as a by-product.