Common Name: Methyl Hydrazine CAS Number: 60-34-4 DOT Number: UN 1244 Date: February 9, 1988 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Methyl Hydrazine can affect you when breathed and by passing through skin. * Methyl Hydrazine should be handled as a CARCINOGEN -- WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Methyl Hydrazine may damage the red blood cells, the liver and kidneys. * Exposure to Methyl Hydrazine may cause excitability, vomiting, tremors, convulsions and death. * It is a HIGHLY CORROSIVE CHEMICAL and can cause severe skin and eye burns leading to permanent damage. Exposure is very irritating to eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs. Higher levels may cause a dangerous build-up of fluid in the lungs. This can cause death. * Methyl Hydrazine is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID and a FIRE HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION Methyl Hydrazine is a clear, colorless liquid with an ammonia-like odor. It is used as rocket fuel. REASON FOR CITATION * Methyl Hydrazine is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by NIOSH, ACGIH and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN, a MUTAGEN, and is FLAMMABLE, REACTIVE and CORROSIVE. 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 = 1.7 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 0.2 ppm, not to be exceeded at any time. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.4 ppm, which should not be exceeded at any time. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.2 ppm, which should not be exceeded at any time. * 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. * Methyl Hydrazine may be a 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. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Methyl 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 Methyl Hydrazine to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Methyl Hydrazine: * Breathing Methyl Hydrazine may irritate the lungs. Higher exposures can cause a build-up of fluid (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. * Exposure is highly irritating to the eyes, nose, throat and skin. * Exposure to Methyl Hydrazine may cause excitability, nausea, vomiting, tremors, convulsions and death. * High or repeated exposures can cause blood abnormalities (anemia red blood cell destruction, and methemoglobia). * Skin or eye contact can cause severe burns leading to permanent damage. * Eye damage (corneal edema) may occur following skin absorption. Chronic Health Effects * The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Methyl Hydrazine and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Methyl Hydrazine may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it has been shown to cause lung and liver cancer 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, Methyl Hydrazine has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long-Term Effects * Methyl Hydrazine may cause a skin allergy. If an allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. * Methyl Hydrazine may damage the liver and kidneys. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following is recommended: * Complete blood count. If symptoms develop or overexposure has occurred, the following may be useful: * Consider lung function tests, especially if lung symptoms are present. * Test for kidney and liver function. * 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 Exposure 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, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. 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 pump liquid Methyl 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 on 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 Methyl 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 Methyl 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 Methyl 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 Methyl Hydrazine, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Methyl 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 Methyl Hydrazine. Wear protective 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. * ACGIH recommends Butyl rubber and Polyvinyl Chloride for good to excellent protection. 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 a 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 Methyl Hydrazine you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Methyl Hydrazine must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDES of IRON and COPPER; MANGANESE, LEAD, and COPPER ALLOYS; POROUS MATERIALS (such as EARTH, ASBESTOS, WOOD and CLOTH); OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, CHLORATES, NITRATES, PERMANGANATES) and FUMING NITRIC ACID since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from HEAT and SPARKS. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Methyl Hydrazine is handled, used, or stored. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Methyl Hydrazine should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. * Use only non-sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of Methyl Hydrazine. * Wherever Methyl Hydrazine is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings. Common Name: Methyl Hydrazine DOT Number: UN 1244 DOT Emergency Guide code: 28 CAS Number: 60-34-4 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 3 REACTIVITY 2 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE CORROSIVE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Methyl Hydrazine is a flammable liquid. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or alcohol foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * 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 Methyl Hydrazine is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until clean-up is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Methyl Hydrazine as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID 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 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: 36 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 17oF Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Hydrazine, Methyl- Other Names and Formulations: MMH; Monomethyl- Hydrazine; 1-Methyl-Hydrazine. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Project CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Methyl Hydrazine is a clear liquid used in rocket fuel and as an intermediate in chemical syntheses. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges or spills. 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. Methyl Hydrazine has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of Methyl 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. Methyl Hydrazine has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of Methyl Hydrazine to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Methyl 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 Methyl Hydrazine is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life of less than 2 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 96.4% of Methyl Hydrazine will eventually end up in water; the rest will end up in the air. 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. The concentration of methylhydrazine found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of methylhydrazine in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.