30A Skunkape
02-21-2008, 09:35 AM
I recieved a CDC generated email this morning to refresh my memory on the hazards of rocket fuel exposure just in case we get a shower of the stuff today. I thought you might enjoy.
CDC Encourages Doctors to Review Health Effects of Rocket Fuel
The CDC is advising physicians to review the adverse health effects associated with the rocket propellent hydrazine as remnants of a U.S. spy satellite began reentering the atmosphere Wednesday night. The Pentagon says its missile hit the disabled satellite over the Pacific Ocean.
The 5000-pound satellite carried 1000 pounds of toxic fuel. In the event that the satellite debris falls over a populated area, the CDC is reminding healthcare providers of potential effects of hydrazine:
Breathing hydrazine for a short time may cause coughing, lung and throat irritation, convulsions, tremors, or seizures; breathing it for longer periods could cause liver and kidney damage or serious reproductive effects.
Dermal contact can lead to redness, pain, and burns.
Ingesting hydrazine may induce nausea, vomiting, uncontrolled shaking, nerve inflammation, drowsiness, or coma.
When released into the environment, hydrazine generally breaks down into safer components within minutes or hours.
The CDC says that if exposures occur, poison control centers should be contacted for medical advice.
CDC Encourages Doctors to Review Health Effects of Rocket Fuel
The CDC is advising physicians to review the adverse health effects associated with the rocket propellent hydrazine as remnants of a U.S. spy satellite began reentering the atmosphere Wednesday night. The Pentagon says its missile hit the disabled satellite over the Pacific Ocean.
The 5000-pound satellite carried 1000 pounds of toxic fuel. In the event that the satellite debris falls over a populated area, the CDC is reminding healthcare providers of potential effects of hydrazine:
Breathing hydrazine for a short time may cause coughing, lung and throat irritation, convulsions, tremors, or seizures; breathing it for longer periods could cause liver and kidney damage or serious reproductive effects.
Dermal contact can lead to redness, pain, and burns.
Ingesting hydrazine may induce nausea, vomiting, uncontrolled shaking, nerve inflammation, drowsiness, or coma.
When released into the environment, hydrazine generally breaks down into safer components within minutes or hours.
The CDC says that if exposures occur, poison control centers should be contacted for medical advice.