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Hydrazine

Overview

CAS No. 302-01-2 Hydrazine; CAS No. 57-14-7 1 Dimethylhydrazine; CAS No. 540-73-8 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine

Hydrazines (H₂NNH₂) are clear, colorless liquids with an ammonia-like odor. Hydrazines are highly reactive and easily catch fire. Workers may be harmed from exposure to hydrazine. The level of harm depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.

Hydrazine is used in many industries, such as the manufacturing of rocket propellants and fuels for spacecraft. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to hydrazine include the following:

  • Workers who use it for boiler water treatments to protect against corrosion
  • Industrial workers who use it as a chemical reactant
  • Researchers who explore cancer treatments
  • Agricultural workers who use it in pesticides

NIOSH recommends that employers use Hierarchy of Controls to prevent injuries. If you work in an industry that uses hydrazine, please read chemical labels and the accompanying Safety Data Sheets for hazard information. Visit NIOSH’s page on Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace to learn more about controlling chemical workplace exposures.

The following resources provide information about occupational exposure to hydrazine. Useful search terms for hydrazine include “diamine,” “hydrazine (anhydrous),” and “hydrazine base.”

NIOSH Chemical Resources

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Selected Publications

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International Resources