HP is a normal product of cell metabolism. Cells contain the enzymes catalase and peroxidase, which catalize the breakdown reaction to oxygen and water. HP can also be reduced by cells to a highly reactive hydroxyl radical. Both the UK and US do not have a ceiling value. Comparison to Other Fuels and Propellants Table 1 shows the comparative toxicity data for unleaded gasoline, kerosene and hydrazine.
Gasoline is relatively non-toxic after a single or acute exposure by all routes.
The major hazard is a slight potential for skin irritation. Hydrazine is considered very toxic according to the classification based on acute LD 50 data. Exposure to the vapor of hydrazine is very toxic as well. Hydrazine is so irritating to the skin that it is considered corrosive. Gasoline and kerosene are not mutagenic based on 11 and 4 assays, respectively, for each fuel.