Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HYDRAZOIC ACID

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Intermediate. In the preparation of heavy metal azides for shell detonators. The use of a
quantity of material in an unventilated or confined space may result in increased exposure
and an irritating atmosphere developing.Before starting consider control of exposure by
mechanical ventilation.

SYNONYMS

H-N3, azoimide, "hydrogen azide", "hydronitric acid", stickstoffwasserstoffsaeure,
"triazoic acid"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

None

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Explosive when dry.
Extreme risk of explosion by shock, fire, friction or other sources of ignition.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Azides, if swallowed, can cause breathlessness and rapid heart beat within 5 minutes. Nausea, vomiting, headache, restlessness and diarrhea can occur within 15 minutes. Other symptoms include low blood pressure which cannot be corrected, abnormal breathing, reduced body temperature, reduced blood pH, convulsions, collapse and death. Continued administration can cause increased sensitivity. Poisoning can cause headaches and acidosis. Several grams of sodium azide can cause liver, pulmonary and brain swelling with death occurring in less than an hour. Large doses of azide increases the blood pressure and causes generalized convulsions, followed by depression and collapse.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Temporary discomfort, however, may result from prolonged dermal exposures. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Azide vapors are irritating and cause bronchitis and lung edema. If inhaled, sore throat, cough, dizziness, shortness of breath and fainting can result. Inhalation can result in similar symptoms as ingesting the substance. Other effects include eye irritation, headache, low blood pressure and collapse. Blindness, rigidity, liver and brain damage is possible.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact and by inhalation of vapors especially at higher temperatures.  Workers exposed chronically to hydrazoic acid ( produced in aqueous solutions of sodium azide ) frequently complain about headache. Rapid falls in blood pressure can also result.