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Re: (meteorobs) Microscopic shuttle debris



In a message dated 2/2/2003 7:10:27 PM Eastern Standard Time, cferriday@adelphiadot net writes:

Christine, can you supply any references on the fact that
"so many have been sickened by coming in contact...."
I've not heard, nor seen, any documented reference to
sickness

thanks
chuck ferriday

Chuck,

It has been all over CNN and Fox news.  Approximately 70 p
eople who have come in contact with debris from the shuttle have sought care from area hospitals, some of which have complained of respiratory distress.

From:http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/02/02/sprj.colu.toxicdot debris/index.html
CNN SPECIAL REPORT 
Sunday, February 2, 2003
    Posted: 10:54 PM EST (0354 GMT)
  
Sunday, February 2, 2003 Posted: 10:54 PM EST (0354 GMT)
   
Four compounds from shuttle can harm on contact

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Four compounds used on the space shuttle Columbia could pose an immediate hazard to people on the ground, a NASA spokeswoman said Sunday.

The deadliest chemical of the four would not provide any warning to someone who touched it, according to toxicology databases.

The compounds are: two forms of hydrazine, nitrogen tetroxide and a pure form of ammonia. Raw hydrazine fueled the shuttle's auxiliary power units, which generated hydraulic pressure for various functions in the shuttle. Another form of the chemical, monomethyl hydrazine, fueled the shuttle's maneuvering systems while it was in space, said Randy Azera, a former NASA engineer and consultant to CNN.

Both forms of hydrazine are clear, flammable liquids. They can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory system and cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, convulsions and permanent damage to internal organs. They are considered "immediately dangerous to life" at a concentration of 50 parts per million. They are not considered to have warning signs of contact but can be detected in the blood of an exposed person.

Anyone who suspects contact with the chemicals is urged to seek medical help.

Flushing with water for at least 15 minutes is recommended after suspected contact.

Nitrogen tetroxide and monomethyl hydrazine are "hypergolic" propellants, meaning they ignite spontaneously when they come in contact with each other, a useful property for maneuvering systems. Nitrogen tetroxide is a reddish-brown gas at room temperature and has a "pungent, sweetish" smell, according to experts. It can injure the eyes and skin on contact, and, if inhaled, can damage the lungs. A single exposure can prove fatal, but only high concentrations produce immediate symptoms.

Warning signs of contact might not appear for hours after exposure, and extreme symptoms might not show up for days, so a victim might be unaware he or she has been exposed until it is too late for treatment.

People who suspect contact with the chemical are urged to flush their body and clothes with large amounts of water, and, if necessary, remove their clothing and bathe with soap and water at least 15 minutes. Eyes should be held open and flushed with water for at least as long. People who suspect contact should be taken to a hospital or doctor as soon as possible.

Pure ammonia is a clear liquid at normal temperatures with a pungent smell. It was used as a coolant to remove heat from the electrical systems on the orbiter engines. It can blister a person's lungs if it is inhaled and can cause death in high concentrations.

TO REPORT DEBRIS

NASA urges people not to go near debris from Columbia because it could contain toxic substances. People who find debris are asked to call (281) 483-3388. NASA has also set up a Web site  to collect information that may be helpful in the investigation of the shuttle disaster.


----- Original Message -----
From: CHRISTINECissy@aol.com
To: meteorobs@atmob.org
Sent: Sunday, February 02, 2003 11:13 AM
Subject: Re: (meteorobs) Microscopic shuttle debris


Thank you Thomas for sharing that thought with us.  It had not occurred to me. What interesting data could one culminate from this with reference to the accident?

In the quest for knowledge, to exercise the utmost caution when doing so is of paramount importance as we do not know of what potentially toxic substances these micro- particles of the shuttle may be contaminated with and so many have been
sickened by coming in contact with larger pieces of debris.

Chris 





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