HAIFA, Israel, May 12 (UPI) -- Thirty-four soldiers were exposed to a highly toxic chemical at an Israeli air force base but only a few needed medical treatment, authorities said.
Officers and enlisted personnel were exposed to toxic hyrdrazine, used to supply power to fighter jets, at Ramat David Air Force Base early Thursday, Ynetnews reported.
After an initial examination by medical officers at the base, the victims were taken to Rambam Medical Center in Haifa.
The toxic exposure occurred within a hangar at the base with victims suffering various levels of exposure, officials said.
"Hydrazine is a highly toxic chemical which can cause death in certain cases," said Dr. Shlomi Israelit, emergency medicine director at Rambam. "Luckily the soldiers were exposed to small amounts and only a few required treatment. The tests we are conducting are meant to check whether there are traces of the substance in their bodies."
Short-term exposure to hydrazine can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, dizziness, headaches and nausea.
Long-term exposure can damage the liver, kidneys and central nervous system, Ynetnews said.
