Common Name: Hydrazine Sulfate CAS Number: 10034-93-2 DOT Number: None Date: January, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Hydrazine Sulfate may affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Hydrazine Sulfate should be handled as a CARCINOGEN WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Exposure can cause you to feel dizzy and lightheaded. Higher levels can cause trembling, a feeling of excitement and even convulsions (fits). * Hydrazine Sulfate can damage blood cells and may cause a low blood count (anemia). It can also interfere with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen (a condition called methemoglobinemia), which can cause weakness and shortness of breath. * Exposure can cause liver and kidney damage. IDENTIFICATION Hydrazine Sulfate is a white or colorless, crystalline (sand like) material. It is used in refining rare metals, as a catalyst and antioxidant, and in fungicides, germicides and blood tests. REASON FOR CITATION * Hydrazine Sulfate is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by NTP, IARC and EPA. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * 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. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS No occupational exposure limits have been established for Hydrazine Sulfate. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. * It should be recognized that Hydrazine Sulfate can be absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure. * Hydrazine Sulfate 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 Hydrazine Sulfate 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 Sulfate 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 Hydrazine Sulfate: * Exposure to Hydrazine Sulfate can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. * Exposure can affect the brain and nervous system, causing dizziness and lightheadedness at first, followed by trembling and convulsions (fits). Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Hydrazine Sulfate and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Hydrazine Sulfate may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it has been shown to cause liver and lung cancers 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 Sulfate has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Exposure can damage the liver and kidneys. * Repeated exposure can damage blood cells causing a low blood count (anemia). It can also interfere with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen (a condition called methemoglobinemia). This can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and even a bluish color to the nose, finger tips and lips. * Hydrazine Sulfate may cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, for those with frequent or potentially high exposures, the following are recommended: * Liver and kidney function tests. * Complete blood count. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Exam of the nervous system. * Blood methemoglobin level. * 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 more than light alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, drinking alcohol can increase the liver damage caused by Hydrazine Sulfate. 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 Sulfate 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: #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 Sulfate 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 Sulfate. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Hydrazine Sulfate, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the work shift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Hydrazine Sulfate, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Hydrazine Sulfate is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean up. DO NOT DRY SWEEP. 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 Sulfate. 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. Eye Protection * Wear gas proof goggles, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. 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. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to Hydrazine Sulfate does not occur. * 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. Common Name: Hydrazine Sulfate DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation CAS Number: 10034-93-2 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJDOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY Not Found Not Rated REACTIVITY 0 Not Rated ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CARCINOGEN ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Nitrogen Oxides and Sulfur Oxides. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or alcohol foam extinguishers. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Hydrazine Sulfate is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Hydrazine Sulfate as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your 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. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Hydrazine Sulfate you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Hydrazine Sulfate IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES and NITRATES) and BASES. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 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. Antidotes and Special Procedures * Pyridoxine (25 mg/kg) is an effective anticonvulsant for Hydrazine poisoning. PHYSICAL DATA Water Solubility: Very soluble in hot water OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Hydrozine Sulfate Other Names and Formulations: Diamine Sulfate; Hydrazimium Sulfate. ------------------------------------------ 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 Sulfate is used in refining rare metals, as an antioxidant in soldering flux for light metals, as a reducing agent in the analysis of minerals and slags, in tests for blood, and as a fungicide. Hydrazine Sulfate may enter the environment in industrial and municipal discharges and from non-point sources due to its use as a fungicide. 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 Sulfate has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of hydrazine sulfate 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 Sulfate has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of hydrazine sulfate to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Hydrazine Sulfate 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 to 20 days. Sulfate is highly persistent in water, with a half-life greater than 200 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. Neither hydrazine nor sulfate are expected to accumulate in edible tissues of aquatic species that are consumed by humans. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.