(P2-66) Experience of 14 Cases Exposed to Hydrazine

• Published in: Prehospital and disaster medicine 2011-05, Vol.26 (S1), p.s157-s157
• Main Authors: Tuncer, S.K., Durusu, M., Arziman, I., Eyi, Y.E., Bayir, A., Kaldirim, U., Yildirim, A.O., Eryilmaz, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Blood; Central nervous system; Dermatitis; Edema; Exposure; Halogens; Mortality; Nickel; Poster Abstracts 17th World Congress for Disaster and Emergency Medicine
• ISSN: 1049-023X; 1945-1938
• DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X11005103

Hydrazine, a highly toxic agent is mainly used as a high-energy rocket propellant or reactant in military fuel cells, in nickel plating, in the polymerization of urethane, for removal of halogens from wastewater, as an oxygen scavenger in boiler feedwater to inhibit corrosion, and in photographic development. Short-term exposure to high levels of Hydrazine may cause irritation of eyes, nose, and throat, headache, nausea, dizziness, pulmonary edema, seizures, and coma. Acute exposure can also damage liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Dermatitis may develop by skin contact. In this article we aimed to present our experience belongs to 14 cases exposed to Hydrazine. Cases were evaluated retrospectively based on demographic data, exposure type, approximate exposure time, clinical features, lab analyzes and results of follow-up. Cases were all male personnel. Mean age and standard deviation were 30,28 and 6,73 respectively. All cases were exposed to Hydrazine in an open place during the monitorization of aircraft for a couple of seconds. Personnel were presented to feel an odor similar to garlic in their nasopharynx. Retrosternal burning was the preponderant symptom in 6 of the cases. The vital signs and physical examination provided no valuable data. Evaluation of Whole Blood Count, Arterial Blood Gas, Biochemical Parameters, Urine Tests, ECG and Chest Radiograph took place in diagnosis period. Respiration function tests were performed on the 6 of the cases who had respiratory complaints. All tests revealed unremarkable data. All cases were subjected to reevaluation in the end of next 48 hours. No complications were encountered on the next examination. Our cases presented no mortality and complication due to having information about Hydrazine and short-term exposure and exposure in open place. Of personnel working in such places including Hydrazine, having information about Hydrazine, is the leading factor in preventing mortality and complications of Hydrazine.