Common Name: Hydrazine CAS Number: 302-01-2 DOT Number: UN 2030/UN 2029 Date: January 31, 1986 ----------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 3 REACTIVITY 2 ---------------------------------------- FLAMMABLE/CORROSIVE LIQUID POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE --------------------------------------- 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. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your local fire department ========================================== 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 ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ 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.