The Toxicity, Pathophysiology, and Treatment of Acute Hydrazine Propellant Exposure: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Introduction Hydrazines are highly toxic inorganic liquids that used as propellants in military and aviation industries, such the U.S. Air Force F-16 Emergency Power Unit SpaceX SuperDraco Rockets. The most commonly derivatives include hydrazine, monomethylhydrazine, 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine). Industrial workers close contact with hydrazines during routine maintenance tasks can be exposed to levels well above National Institute for Occupational Safety Health relative exposure limits. Materials Methods A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Aeronautics Space Administration Technical Server, Defense Information Center, data related hydrazine exposures were searched from inception April 2020. Publications or reports addressing toxicity, pathophysiology, treatment fuel selected. Results Acute its rare. There few case acute humans, largely based on animal studies. initial search identified 741 articles, manuscripts, government reports. After screening eligibility, 51 included this review. Eight articles reported propellant an additional 14 relevant data. Conclusions Exposure small amounts cause significant soft tissue injury, pulmonary seizures, coma, death. Neurologic presentations vary compound dose. Decontamination is critical mainly supportive. High-dose intravenous pyridoxine has been suggested hydrazine-related neurologic but recommendation limited human Despite recent research efforts generate less alternatives fuel, it will likely continue have a role industries. Aerospace physicians should aware toxicity associated prepared treat at-risk populations.