Common Name: Hydrazine CAS Number: 302-01-2
DOT Number: UN 2030/UN 2029
Date: January 31, 1986
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* Hydrazine can affect you when breathed in and by passing
through your skin.
* Hydrazine is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
* Exposure can damage the liver, kidneys, nervous system, red
blood cells and can cause dizziness, nausea and seizures.
* Hydrazine is HIGHLY CORROSIVE and can cause skin and eye
burns.
* Exposure may irritate the nose, throat and lungs causing
coughing and shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause
fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can cause
death.
* It is a FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE CHEMICAL and a FIRE and
EXPLOSION HAZARD.
IDENTIFICATION
Hydrazine is a colorless, fuming, oily liquid or white crystalline
(sugar like) solid that smells like ammonia. It is used as a rocket
fuel, in farm chemicals, drugs or to speed up chemical reactions.
REASON FOR CITATION
* Hydrazine is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NIOSH, DOT,
IARC, CAG and NFPA.
* This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List
because it is a CARCINOGEN, a MUTAGEN and is FLAMMABLE,
REACTIVE and CORROSIVE.
* Definitions are attached.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED
* Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely
evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA
1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling
results from your employer. If you think you are experiencing
any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to
recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with
you.
* ODOR THRESHOLD = 3.7 ppm.
* The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not
smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed.
WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is
1 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift.
NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.03 ppm of
the freebase, determined as ceiling concentrations in any
2 hour period.
ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.1 ppm
averaged over an 8 hour workshift.
* Hydrazine is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There may be no
safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should
be reduced to the lowest possible level. The above exposure
limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs,
you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than
the limits listed above.
WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE
* A regulated, marked area should be established where Hydrazine
is handled, used, or stored.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Hydrazine and at
the end of the workshift.
* Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In
addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort,
communicate all information on the health and safety hazards
of Hydrazine to potentially exposed workers.
This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information for workers,
employers, and community residents. Health professionals may also
find it useful. If this substance is part of a mixture, this Fact
Sheet should be used along with the manufacturer supplied Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Acute Health Effects
The following acute (short term) health effects may occur
immediately or shortly after exposure to Hydrazine:
* Direct contact of liquid with skin or eyes produces severe
burns with permanent damage.
* Exposure to vapors is highly irritating to eyes, nose, throat
and lungs.
* Breathing Hydrazine may irritate the lungs causing coughing
and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a
buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can
cause death.
* Exposure can cause dizziness and nausea. Higher levels can
cause trembling, shaking, seizures and death.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to Hydrazine and can last for months or years:
Cancer Hazard
* Hydrazine is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. It has been
shown to cause lung and liver cancer and leukemia in animals.
* Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to
a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for
causing reproductive damage in humans.
Reproductive Hazard
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, Hydrazine has been tested and has
not been shown to adversely affect reproduction.
Other Long Term Effects
* Exposure can damage the liver and kidneys.
* Hydrazine can irritate the lungs. Repeated exposures may cause
bronchitis to develop with cough, phlegm and/or shortness of
breath.
* Exposure can damage the nervous system causing weakness,
shaking, and trouble with balance and coordination.
* Exposure can damage red blood cells and cause a low blood
count (anemia).
* Hydrazine may cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops, very
low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash.
MEDICAL
Medical Testing
For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV
or greater, or significant skin contact), the following are
recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that:
* Complete blood count.
* Liver and kidney function tests.
* Lung function tests.
* Exam of the nervous system.
If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may
also be useful:
* Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure.
* Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful
exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose skin
allergy.
Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present
symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already
done are not a substitute for controlling exposure.
Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to
this information under OSHA 1910.20.
Mixed Exposures
* Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung
cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may
worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure.
Even if you have smoked for a long time, stop ping now will
reduce your risk of developing health problems.
* Because more than light alcohol consumption can cause liver
damage, drinking alcohol can increase the liver dam age caused
by Hydrazine.
WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES
Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous
substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of
reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations
and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical
release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using
respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the
controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary.
In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1)
how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is
released into the workplace, and (3) whether harmful skin or eye
contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly
toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing
exposures are possible.
In addition, the following controls are recommended:
* Where possible, automatically transfer Hydrazine from drums or
other storage containers to process containers.
* Specific engineering controls are recommended for this
chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document:
Occupational Exposure to Hydrazines #78 172.
Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The
following work practices are recommended:
* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Hydrazine
should change into clean clothing promptly.
* Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members
could be exposed.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to
Hydrazine.
* Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work
area for emergency use.
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower
facilities should be provided.
* On skin contact with Hydrazine, immediately wash or shower to
remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any
areas of the body that may have contacted Hydrazine, whether
or not known skin contact has occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Hydrazine is handled,
processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed.
Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry,
jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace
controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be
appropriate.
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply
to every situation.
Clothing
* Avoid skin contact with Hydrazine. Wear acid resistant gloves
and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can
provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing
material for your operation.
* All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)
should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.
Eye Protection
* Eye protection is included in the recommended respiratory
protection.
Respiratory Protection
IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should
only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into
account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training,
respirator fit testing, and medical exams, as described in OSHA
1910.134.
* At any exposure level, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air
respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive
pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the
continuous flow mode, or use an MSHA/NIOSH approved self
contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated
in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with Hydrazine you should be trained on its
proper handling and storage.
* Hydrazine must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZERS (such
as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES and
NITRATES) STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and
NITRIC), HYDROGEN PEROXIDE and METAL OXIDES since violent
reactions occur.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated
area away from HEAT.
* Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are
prohibited where Hydrazine is used, handled, or stored in a
manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard.
* Wherever Hydrazine is used, handled, manufactured, or stored,
use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings.
Common Name: Hydrazine
DOT Number: UN 2029 (anhydrous)/UN 2030 (aqueous solution)
DOT Emergency Guide code: 28 or 59
CAS Number: 302-01-2
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NJ DOH Hazard rating
FLAMMABILITY 3
REACTIVITY 2
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FLAMMABLE/CORROSIVE LIQUID
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
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Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* Hydrazine is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID.
* Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers.
* POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Oxides of
Nitrogen.
* CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If Hydrazine is spilled or leaked, take the following steps:
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of
spill or leak until cleanup is complete.
* Remove all ignition sources.
* Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar
material and deposit in sealed containers.
* Keep Hydrazine out of a confined space, such as a sewer,
because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer
is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive
concentrations.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Hydrazine as a
HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for
specific recommendations.
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FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your local fire
department
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FIRST AID
POISON INFORMATION
Eye Contact
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water. Continue
without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting
upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately.
Skin Contact
* Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area
with large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical attention
immediately.
Breathing
* Remove the person from exposure.
* Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped.
* Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
* Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after
breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed.
PHYSICAL DATA
Vapor Pressure: 10 mm Hg at 68oF
Flash Point: 100oF
Water Solubility: Miscible
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Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.
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NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Right to Know Program
CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368
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ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Hydrazine is used as a rocket fuel, and for corrosion control in
boilers and hot-water heating systems. It is used to make
plastics, polymers, antioxidants, pesticides, plant growth
regulators, and pharmaceuticals. It may enter the environment
mostly from runoff from agricultural lands.
ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or
fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are
seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with
a toxic chemical substance.
Hydrazine has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient
data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of
hydrazine to plants, birds, or land animals.
CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive
problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior.
Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic
chemical.
Hydrazine has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient
data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of
hydrazine to plants, birds, or land animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
Hydrazine is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000
milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water.
DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Hydrazine is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life of
between 2 and 20 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount
of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded.
BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS
Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in
living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink
contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can
become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals
and humans.
Hydrazine is not expected to accumulate in edible tissues of
aquatic species that are consumed by humans.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.
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