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Potential health effects associated with hydrazine and satellite reentry
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02/20/2008
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Series: HAN ; 269
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Description:Month dd, 20yy, 13:51 EST (01:51 PM EST)
CDCHAN-00XXX-yy-mm-dd-ADV-N
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is collaborating with federal partners to address potential health and safety threats associated with the reentry of an uncontrolled U.S. government satellite into the earth’s atmosphere within the next few weeks. Because the satellite’s fuel contains the toxic chemical hydrazine, it is possible that the reentry of the satellite could pose a public health threat if pieces of it fall into populated areas. The risk of health effects related to the satellite is considered to be low. However, CDC is encouraging health officials and clinicians to review information about the health effects related to hydrazine to prepare in case their communities are affected by satellite debris.
Hydrazine is a clear, colorless liquid with an ammonia-like odor. Hydrazine is highly reactive and easily catches fire. It can easily evaporate to the air and can dissolve in water. In soil, hydrazine may stick to particles. In each of these forms hydrazine breaks down quickly into less harmful compounds.
Because we do not know yet where the satellite or satellite debris will land or the scope of any health risks associated with the satellite’s reentry, CDC will be updating its website and providing the public health work force, clinicians, and the general public with more information as it becomes available.
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Pages in Document:2 unnumbered pages
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Volume:269
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