The Facts on
Hydrazine

In the EU, about 2.1 million workers are estimated to be potentially exposed to hydrazine.

The primary routes of potential human exposure to hydrazine are ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. It is carcinogenic to humans (classified as Group 2B by IARC i.e. possible human carcinogens). It may increase the risk of lung and colorectal cancer with potential genotoxicity.

Where risks occur

Hydrazine exposure has been documented in the paper, tire-manufacturing, military, and aerospace industries where hydrazine is produced or used.

More about the substance

Hydrazine is a colorless oily liquid at room temperature with a penetrating ammonia-like odor. It is miscible with methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl alcohols, slightly miscible with hydrocarbons and halogenated hydrocarbons, and insoluble in chloroform and ether. It is used primarily as a chemical intermediate to produce agricultural chemicals and chemical blowing agents, as a corrosion inhibitor, water-treatment chemical, and rocket propellant.

How symptoms can affect you

The symptoms of acute (short-term) exposure to high levels of hydrazine may include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, dizziness, headache, nausea, pulmonary edema, seizures, and coma in humans. Acute exposure can also damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system in humans. The liquid is corrosive and may produce dermatitis from skin contact. Prolonged exposure may cause lung or colorectal cancer.

What you can do

Perform proper exposure measurements continuously so it is known when actions should be taken. Investigate if workers report early symptoms. Workers need to be aware of the effects of exposure. The control measures include use of enclosed processes, local exhaust and general ventilation. Other recommended work practices include providing employees with hazard information and training, monitoring airborne chemical concentrations, providing eye wash fountains and emergency showers, washing the body parts at the end of the workshift and prohibit eating, smoking or drinking in chemical handling areas. Personal protective equipment should consist of mask, glasses, impermeable gloves and clothing. Personal protective equipment should only be used as a last resort, after introducing the possible engineering solutions.

Limit Value(s)

EU directive 0,013 mg/m³ (unless specified otherwise below)
Read directive 2017/2398/EU here

	Country	National limit value	National reference
	Austria	0,013 mg/m³ (TWA) 0,052 mg/m³ short term	To be included
	Belgium	0,013 mg/m³	To be included
	Bulgaria	EU directive	To be included
	Croatia	EU directive	Croatian reference
	Czech Republic	EU directive	To be included
	Cyprus	EU directive	To be included
	Denmark	0,013 mg/m³ (TWA) 0,026 mg/m³ short term	To be included
	Estonia	EU directive	To be included
	Finland	0,013 mg/m³ (TWA) 0,07 mg/m³ short term	To be included
	France	0,013 mg/m³	To be included
	Germany	0,022 mg/m³ (TWA) 0,044 mg/m³ short term	German reference
	Greece	EU directive	To be included
	Hungary	0,13 mg/m³	Hungarian reference
	Iceland	EU directive	To be included
	Ireland	0,013 mg/m³	To be included
	Italy	0,013 mg/m³	To be included
	Latvia	0,013 mg/m³	To be included
	Lithuania	EU directive	Lithuanian reference
	Luxembourg	EU directive	To be included
	Malta	EU directive	To be included
	North Macedonia	0,13 mg/m³ (TWA) 0,52 mg/m³ short term	Reference
	The Netherlands	0,013 mg/m³	To be included
	Norway	0,01 mg/m³ (TWA)	Reference
	Poland	0,013 mg/m³	To be includedReference
	Portugal	EU directive	Portuguese reference
	Romania	0,013 mg/m³	To be included
	Serbia	-	To be included
	Slovakia	EU directive	To be included
	Slovenia	EU directive	Slovanian reference
	Spain	0,013 mg/m³	Spanish reference
	Sweden	0,013 mg/m³	Swedish reference
	Turkey	-	To be included
This data was carefully collected. However, the data is subject to change and was last updated July 18, 2023 11:22 am.

References: IARC, EC, EPA, CDC, NIOSH