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. Hydrazines can also dissolve in water, where they usually break down into less toxic compounds within a few weeks. Hydrazines may build up in some fish living in contaminated water, but are not expected to remain at high levels over long periods of time. In soil, hydrazines may stick to particles and be changed within a few days to less harmful compounds.