THIOUREA

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Potential Acute Health Effects

SWALLOWED Although ingestion fs not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vorniting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of Insignificant quantities Is not thought to be cause for concern. EYE Although the material Is not thought to be an Irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn). SKIN Skin contact with the material may damage the heaith of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption. The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Temporary discomfort, however, may result from protonged dermal exposures, Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that sultable gloves be used in an http://proxy.nss.udel.edu:5380/msds.exe?print=¥ &prefhame=N&concise=N&msdsforma.., 10/12/2006 CG2 occupational setting. Sensitization may result in allergic dermatitis responses including rash, itching, hives or swelling of extremities. Skin sensitivity to thiourea derivatives has been demonstrated in several studies. Allergic contact dermatitis and photocontact dermatitis have been described. A Russian study published in 1970 reported that workers handling thiourea products showed ready penetration through the skin which lead to clinical evidence of destructive changes in the thyroid gland. INHALED The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the resplratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that sultable control measures be used in an occupational setting. Inhalation of vapor may result in nausea, headache.

Potential chronic health

There is limited evidence that, skin contact with this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.

Principle Routes of Exposure

are by accidental skin and eye contact and inhalation of generated dusts., inhalation of vapour Bare unprotected skin should not be exposed to this material. As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice. The material is a sensitiser in persons who exhibit photosensitivity. Chronic exposure may result in damage to the blood, liver and thyroid. Thiourea inhibits utilisation of lodine and has a haemolytic effect (impedes bieod clotting). Thiourea has produced goiter and bone marrow depression (anaemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and agranulocytosis) in experimental animals. When administered in the drinking water, thiourea induced thyroid adenomas and carcinomas In rats of both sexes and squamous cell carcinomas of the Zymbal giand in male rats. When administered in the diet, thiourea induced hepatocellular adenomas in rats.