Occupational exposure to hydrazines: treatment of acute central nervous system toxicity.

Exposure to hydrazine and hydrazines' alkylated derivatives is an important occupational health issue, which will increase in significance as space applications increase. Despite their widespread usage as rocket fuels in manned and unmanned space and missile systems, serious exposures to hydrazines are rare. While a significant number of experimental studies were performed in the late 1950s through the mid-1960s, conflicting information exists concerning the most appropriate treatment for these exposures. A cross-sectional study evaluating the most common rocket fuels such as hydrazine; 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (UDMH); mono-methylhydrazine (MMH); and Aerozine-50 against the most commonly suggested therapies, such as pyridoxine, traditional antiseizure therapies, and arginine is needed to clarify the treatment implications for human exposure. Treatments that have been useful for hyperammonemic states, such as those for the six inherited urea cycle defects, have significant potential for the improvement of hydrazine exposure treatment.

Prevention of carbon monoxide exposure in general and recreational aviation.

Carbon monoxide exposure is an important public health issue that poses a significant, albeit uncommon risk in aviation. Exposure is most common in single engine piston-driven aircraft where air is passed over the exhaust manifold to serve as cabin heat. Effective primary prevention of this exposure is the regular inspection and maintenance of aircraft exhaust systems, as required by law. For situations at special risk should exposure occur, and where there is concern for the public safety, installation of active warning devices for CO intrusion into cockpits may improve secondary prevention. Modern studies should be performed of occupation-specific abilities to support the 50 ppm FAA CO exposure standard and 50-70 ppm FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO) for CO monitors alerting pilots to the possibility of exhaust gas intrusion into their cockpits.