Detect Airborne Hazards Using ChemSee Dosimeters

Hydrazine is a carcinogen, mutagen and tetratogen; consequently, it is severely toxic to human health. It is a colorless, fuming liquid with a musty, ammonia-like odor. After absorption orally or through the skin, N2H4 destroys red blood cells. It may sensitize the skin and cause liver damage as well as systemic poisoning. Current OSHA regulations limit allowable exposure to 0.1 ppm, on an 8-hour TWA basis (0.8 ppm*hr). It is anticipated that the 8-hour limit will soon decrease, possibly to 0.01 ppm (0.08 ppm*hr). Hydrazine is also referred to as diamide. It is used mainly as a fuel for rocket and jet engines and in the manufacturing of drugs and systemic growth regulators in agriculture. Operators of high pressure (900 psi) boilers use hydrazine salts for leaning and as corrosion inhibitors since they scavenge oxygen in the feed water. Other potential sources of hydrazine are chemical manufacturing process industries that use hydrazine as a strong reducing reagent.