Common Name: Ethylene Thiourea CAS Number: 96-45-7 DOT Number: None Date: January, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Ethylene Thiourea can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Ethylene Thiourea is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. It may be a TERATOGEN. * High exposure can irritate the nose, throat and lungs. * Contact can irritate the eyes and skin. * High exposure may cause sweating, nausea and increased heart rate and blood pressure. A buildup of fluid in the lungs may occur, an emergency with severe shortness of breath. * Lower repeated exposures can cause enlarged thyroid (goiter) and change thyroid function. IDENTIFICATION Ethylene Thiourea is a white to pale green crystalline (sand like) material. It is used in electroplating, insecticides, fungicides, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and synthetic resins, and in making neoprene rubber. REASON FOR CITATION * Ethylene Thiourea is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by NIOSH, IARC, NTP, CAG, DEP and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN and a TERATOGEN. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * If you think you are experiencing any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS No occupational exposure limits have been established for Ethylene Thiourea. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. It should be recognized that Ethylene Thiourea can be absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Ethylene Thiourea is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Ethylene Thiourea and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Ethylene Thiourea to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ----------------------------------------- HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Ethylene Thiourea: * High breathing exposure can irritate the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. This could cause soreness, hoarseness, cough, and phlegm. Higher exposure could lead to a dangerous buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. * Contact can irritate the skin and eyes, and may cause eye burns. * High exposure could cause sweating, thirst, nausea and increase the heart rate and blood pressure for hours or a few days. * A related chemical Ziram can cause brain swelling and hemorrhage with muscle weakness and liver and kidney effects. It is not known whether Ethylene Thiourea can cause these changes. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Ethylene Thiourea and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Ethylene Thiourea is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There is evidence that it causes thyroid and liver cancer in animals. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans. Reproductive Hazard * There is limited evidence that Ethylene Thiourea may be a TERATOGEN in humans since it has been shown to be a TERATOGEN in animals. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated lower exposures can cause an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) and changes in thyroid function, usually reduced function. * A related chemical Maneb, an agricultural fungicide, can cause tremors, weakness, poor coordination and other nerve effects. It is not known whether Ethylene Thiourea causes these effects. MEDICAL Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Thyroid function tests. * Exam of the nervous system. * Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Mixed Exposures Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically transfer Ethylene Thiourea from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are required for this chemical by OSHA. Refer to the NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin #22, Publication #78 144. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Ethylene Thiourea should change into clean clothing promptly. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Ethylene Thiourea. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Ethylene Thiourea, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the work shift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Ethylene Thiourea, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Ethylene Thiourea is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean up. DO NOT DRY SWEEP. * When vacuuming, a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) filter should be used, not a standard shop vacuum. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Ethylene Thiourea. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment sup pliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. Eye Protection * Eye protection is included in the recommended respiratory protection. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to Ethylene Thiourea does not occur. * At any exposure level, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. Common Name: Ethylene Thiourea DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation CAS Number: 96-45-7 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJDOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY Not Found Not Rated REACTIVITY Not Found Not Rated ---------------------------------------- CARCINOGEN ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or alcohol foam extinguishers. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Ethylene Thiourea is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until cleanup is complete. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Ethylene Thiourea as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Ethylene Thiourea you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Ethylene Thiourea is not compatible with strong oxidizing agents, acids and acid anhydrides. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Ethylene Thiourea is handled, used, or stored. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with large amounts of soap water. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. Antidotes and Special Procedures * Do not give atropine. PHYSICAL DATA Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 2 Imidozolidimethione Other Names and Formulations: ETU; Mercozen; Mercaptoimidazoline. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------- ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Ethylene Thiourea is a solid which is used as an accelerator in the manufacture of neoprene. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges or spills. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Ethylene Thiourea has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life and land animals. At concentrations of 100 ppm, Ethylene Thiourea had no effect on the size of wheat plants. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of Ethylene Thiourea to birds. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Ethylene Thiourea has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of Ethylene Thiourea to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Ethylene Thiourea is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Ethylene Thiourea is moderately persistent in water with a half life of between 20 to 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. Virtually 100% of Ethylene Thiourea will end up in water. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of Ethylene Thiourea found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of Ethylene Thiourea in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA., Phytotox.