Hydrazine - N2H4
Find here the essential information on hydrazine (N2H4) or diazane: characteristics, effects on health, detection devices and systems - hydrazine gas detector - and proper respiratory protective equipment (gas mask or powered air purifying respirator with K-P3 combined filter).
Hydrazine properties (N2H4)
Best known for its use as rocket jet fuel, hydrazine (N2H4) - also known as diazane - is also used in the petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries as a synthesis intermediate and in the rubber industry as a blowing agent to produce polymer foam. Thanks to its characteristics - mainly its liquid state at ambient temperature - this gas is used to produce fuel cells.
| CAS | TWA (8 hours) | STEL (15 minutes) | LEL | IP | Density / Air | Filter / SCBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 206-114-9 | 0.1 ppm | - | 1.8 % | 8.93 | 1.11 | K-P3 |
Hydrazine effects on health
Colorless and featuring an ammonia smell at low concentration levels, hydrazine (N2H4) is very soluble into water or alcohols, which may lead to explosive vapors production. Even if it is flammable either liquid or gaseous (H226), this gas is very toxic if inhaled, swallowed or in contact with skin (H331/301/311) and classified as 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) by the IARC*. It can cause severe skin burns and eye damage as well (H314).
*IARC: International Agency for Research on Cancer (depends on WHO World Health Organization)
Hydrazine effects on health (N2H4)
Hydrazine gas detector - N2H4
As this gas is not detectable through smell, only a hydrazine gas detector can accurately measure concentrations of this gas. Moreover, even if this gas is very explosive (at 1.8% volume), its explosivity monitoring would be pointless as hydrazine is toxic. For this reason it is recommended to use a portable or fixed hydrazine detection equipment.
N2H4 respiratory protection - Hydrazine
As hydrazine is irritating to the eyes, it is advised to wear an hydrazine respirator like a full face mask for short interventions or a complete PAPR for longer applications. Both equipped with a K-P3 combined filter. If the concentration levels exceed 60 times the OEL, a self- contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is mandatory.