This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. It's important you understand this information because these substances may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present. Hydrazines are colorless liquids that are used in rocket fuels, chemical manufacturing, and as boiler water treatments. Exposure to hydrazines may cause nervous system effects, as well as liver and kidney damage.
Hydrazines are clear, colorless liquids with an ammonia-like odor.
Small amounts of hydrazine occur naturally in plants. Most hydrazines are manufactured for use as rocket propellants and fuels, boiler water treatments, chemical reactants, medicines, and in cancer research. Hydrazines are highly reactive and easily catch fire. Hydrazines can be released into the environment during their production or use, or from accidental spills. Hydrazines easily evaporate to the air, where they are broken down by reactions within minutes or hours.