Kazakhstan developed unique method to detect toxic chemicals in the environment after rocket launches

"Unfortunately, some propellants consist of highly hazardous components such as heptyl, amyl and other substances that have a negative influence on the environment ... Today is the first time we have developed a method for determining the amount of heptyl and amyl in the soil," Mussabayev stated.

"Kazakhstan has established the scientific research center "Gharysh-Ecology", which is directly involved in environmental support of rocket launches from "Baikonur" cosmodrome. The scientific - research base, which allowed to develop this method, includes laboratories in Baikonur and Dzhezkazgan that directly monitor rocket launches, as well as mobile laboratories," the head of Kazcosmos noted.

It is worth noting that the issue of reducing the launches of rockets with highly toxic fuels that have a negative effect on the environment in Kazakhstan has been raised repeatedly. According to the agreements, the Russian side pledged to facilitate the phased reduction of launches of carrier rockets "Proton" from "Baikonur" cosmodrome, which adversely affect the environment.

Reference: Heptyl is a rocket fuel on the basis of asymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH), the first class hazard highly toxic substance. The World Health Organization included UDMH in the list of highly hazardous chemicals. Heptyl has skin irritating and general toxic effect on the human body. It affects the liver, central nervous, cardiovascular and hematopoietic systems.