Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

CHEMICAL NAME

CRC PRESS/LEWIS PUBLISHERS DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS PRESENTED

HEREIN ARE BASED ON SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE. CRC MAKES NO REPRESENTATION ON ITS
COMPLETENESS OR ACCURACY. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO DETERMINE THE CHEMICAL'S
SUITABILITY FOR ITS INTENDED USE, THE CHEMICAL'S SAFE USE, AND THE CHEMICAL'S PROPER DISPOSAL. NO
REPRESENTATIONS AND/OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OF THE MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE, ARE MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS MSDS OR TO THE CHEMICAL TO WHICH INFORMATION MAY REFER. CRC
NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT, ANY OTHER ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR THE USE OF, OR RELIANCE UPON, THIS INFORMATION.

THIOUREA

HAZARD WARNING INFORMATION

HEALTH

FIRE

REACTIVE

OTHER

DEGREE OF HAZARD
0 = Minimum Hazard
1 = Slight Hazard
2 = Moderate Hazard
3 = Serious Hazard
4 = Severe Hazard

COLOR CODING

OTHER CODES

HEALTH = BLUE
FIRE = RED
REACTIVITY = YELLOW
OTHER = WHITE

OX = Oxidizer
ACID = Acid
ALK = Alkali
COR = Corrosive
W = Use No Water

SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION

Characterization

RCRA Number

Organic, Sulfur-Containing

EPA Class

U219

DOT Proper Shipping Name

Toxic Waste

Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Number

Thiourea

62-56-6

DOT Hazard Class and Label Requirements

DOT Emergency Guide Code

Poison B; St. Andrews Cross

DOT Identification Number

53
Chemical Formula

UN 2877

(NH2)2CS

Synonyms

Thiocarbamide; isothiourea; pseudothiourea; solourea; thiocarbonic acid diamide; 2-thiopseudourea; 2thiourea; THU.

SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS AND IDENTITY INFORMATION

Hazardous Components (specific identity)

Thiourea

(derivation: By heating dry

ammonium thiocyanate, extraction with a
concentrated solution of ammonium thiocyanate with subsequent crystallization; or by
action of hydrogen sulfide on cyanamide).

OSHA Exposure Criteria

NIOSH Exposure Criteria

PEL:
Not
Established

REL:
Not
Established

STEL:
Not
Established

STEL:
Not
Established

Immediately Dangerous to
Life and Health (IDLH)

ACGIH Exposure Criteria

TLV:
Not
Established
Not
Determined

STEL:
Not
Established

SECTION III - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Boiling Point

Sublimes in vacuo: 270-320F (150-160C)

Vapor Pressure (mm Hg)

Specific Gravity (H2O = 1)

1.4
Molecular Weight

7.5 x 10-8 at 69F (20C)

76.13

Vapor Density (Air = 1)

Freezing Point

356-360F (180-182C)

Not Reported
Solubility

Soluble in cold water, ammonia thiocyanate, and alcohol. Nearly insoluble in ether.
Appearance and Odor

White, lustrous crystalline solid with a bitter taste.

SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

Flash Point (method used)

Explosive Limits in Air % by Volume

Not Applicable

LEL: Not Applicable

NFPA Classification

UEL: Not Applicable

Autoignition Temperature

Non-Combustible Solid

Not Applicable

Extinguishing Media

Use agent suitable to surrounding area. Thiourea does not burn.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures

Since fire may produce toxic thermal decomposition products, firefighters should wear full protective
clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) operated in positive pressure mode. Keep fireexposed containers cool with water spray. Do NOT release runoff from fire control measures to sewers
or waterways. Contain and collect runoff for proper disposal.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards

None reported.

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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SECTION V - REACTIVITY DATA

Conditions to Avoid

Thiourea is normally stable in closed containers under routine conditions of handling and storage. Keep
away from incompatible materials.

Stability
Stable

Unstable

Incompatibility (materials to avoid)

Acrolein, acrylaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric acid.

X
Hazardous
Polymerization
May Occur

Will Not Occur

Conditions to Avoid

Hazardous polymerization MAY occur in contact with acrylaldehyde. Keep isolated from incompatible
materials at all times!
Hazardous Decomposition or By-products

When heated to decomposition, thiourea emits highly toxic oxides of sulfur, carbon, and nitrogen.

SECTION VI - HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Inhalation?

Absorption (skin)?

Ingestion?

Primary Route(s) of Entry:

Health Hazards

INHALATION: Irritation and inflammation of the respiratory tract. A related chemical (naphthylthiourea)
causes fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), which can be fatal. It is not known if exposure to thiourea will have this effect.
SKIN & EYES: Direct contact or exposure to airborne particles can cause irritation to the eyes and skin.
Allergic sensitization is possible in some persons causing itchy rash and vesicles.
INGESTION:

Symptoms include hemorrhage, bone marrow depression with subsequent anemia and
other blood effects such as leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.

Carcinogenicity

Probable Human
Confirmed Animal

NTP Listed?

IARC Cancer Review Group?

OSHA Regulated?

Target Organs?

5th Annual
Report

Group 2B

No

Skin, liver, bone marrow

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Skin conditions (dermatitis) may be aggravated by exposure.

Emergency and First-aid Procedures

Eye contact: Immediately flush with large amounts of water for 15 minutes (minimum), occasionally
lifting eyelids; seek medical attention. Skin contact: Remove all contaminated clothing. Immediately
wash area with large amounts of soap and water. For inhalation: Remove the person from exposure.
Provide respiratory assistance and CPR. Transfer promptly to medical facility. If swallowed: Seek
medical attention immediately. Never try to give an unconscious person anything by mouth. Unless advised otherwise, give 1 to 2 glasses of water and induce vomiting.

SECTION VII - PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled

Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from entering area of spill or leak until cleanup is
complete. Ventilate area. Collect powdered materials using a scoop or HEPA vacuum. Do NOT dry
sweep or generate airborne dusts.
Preferred Waste Disposal Method

Burn in chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.

Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storage

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials
(especially arylaldehyde) since violent reactions can occur.
Other Precautions and Warnings

Bulk storage of thiourea is not recommended. A regulated, marked controlled area should be established where thiourea is used, handled, or stored.

SECTION VIII - CONTROL MEASURES AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Respiratory Protection (specify type)

No exposure levels have been established. For best protection to a probable carcinogen, use an
MSHA/NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode, or a supplied-air respirator in positive pressure mode.
Ventilation

Local exhaust or general mechanical systems recommended.

Protective Gloves

Impervious Material

Eye Protection

Chemical/Dust Goggles and/or Face

Mask

Other Protective Clothing

Protective Apron

Work/Hygiene Practices

Always wash hands thoroughly after using chemical; never bring food, drink, or smoking materials into
vicinity of chemicals.
1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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THIOUREA
(NH2)2CS

CAS: 62-56-6

NH2
S

0
2

NH2
IDENTIFICATION AND TYPICAL USES

1 Acute Health Effects

Thiourea is a colorless, lustrous, crystalline (sand-like)

solid with a bitter taste. It is used in photography as a
fixing agent and to remove stains from negatives and
in photocopying paper to prevent yellowing. It is also
used in organic synthesis (as an intermediate in dyes,
drugs, and hair preparations), as a rubber accelerator,
an analytical reagent, in amino resins, and as a mold
inhibitor.

The following acute (short-term) health effects may

occur immediately or shortly after exposure to
thiourea:

RISK ASSESSMENT: HEALTH

General Assessment
Thiourea is considered toxic by inhalation and ingestion. Skin contact can also cause serious topical effects, but dermal absorption has not been reported.
Thiourea is a probable human carcinogen since it has
been shown to cause cancer in test animals. Human
mutation data have been reported. It has also been
shown to cause experimental teratogenic effects.
Inhalation causes irritation of the eyes, nose,
throat, and respiratory tract. There can be coughing
with severe congestion. A closely related chemical,
naphthylthiourea, has been shown to cause a dangerous buildup of fluids in the lungs (pulmonary edema),
which can be fatal. It is not known if thiourea will
have this effect on the lungs.
Skin contact or exposure to airborne particles can
cause irritation. Allergic sensitization may occur in
some individuals with symptoms of extremely itchy
rash and the development of vesicles on the skin's
surface. Exposure to sunlight may enhance the reaction. Direct eye contact may cause irritation.
Ingestion causes hemorrhage, bone marrow depression with subsequent anemia and other blood effects such as leukopenia (decrease in white blood
cells) and thrombocytopenia (decrease in blood platelets).

Skin:

Irritation with a possibility for itchy rash and

dermatitis.

Eye:

Possible irritation on direct contact.

Lung: Irritation of the respiratory tract. Effects can

include cough, congestion, and tightness in the
chest.
Other: Ingestion cause hemorrhage and possible
damage to the bone marrow with subsequent
blood effects such as anemia and leukopenia.

0 Chronic Health Effects

The following chronic (long-term) health effects may
occur at some time after exposure to thiourea and can
last for months or even years:
Cancer Hazards: According to information presented
in the references, thiourea has been shown to cause
cancer in test animals and is considered a probable
human carcinogen. Human mutation data have also
been reported and many scientists believe that exposure to such chemicals poise a cancer threat in the
long-term.
Reproductive Hazards: According to information presented in the references, thiourea has been shown to
cause teratogenic effects in test animals.
Other Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure may
damage the bone marrow causing a reduction in red
blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (with reduced
ability to fight infections), and/or reduced platelets
(reduced blood clotting and increased bruising). Repeated exposure can cause goiter (an enlarged thyroid
gland in the neck) and reduced thyroid hormone.
Thiourea has caused enlargement of the spleen when

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

Page: 4

used therapeutically for thyrotoxicosis. Exposure may

cause skin allergy to develop in some individuals with
rash. If allergy develops, even low future exposures
may cause rash. Very irritating substances may affect
the lungs. It is not known if thiourea causes lung
damage.

If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the

following additional tests may be useful:

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Other methods to reduce exposure include:

Personnel should avoid direct contact with thiourea. It

is a probable human carcinogen, a human mutagen,
and a teratogen in animals. Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, engineering controls are the most effective method of reducing exposures. The best protection is to enclose
operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at
the site of chemical release. While not always operationally feasible, isolating operations can also reduce
exposure. Using respiratory protection is less effective
than the controls mentioned above, but is still advisable whenever working with thiourea. No exposure
levels have been established for thiourea. However,
this does not mean that exposure is without risk. It is a
probable human carcinogen and many scientists believe there is no safe exposure level to such chemicals.
For the best respiratory protection, a self-contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full facepiece operated in pressure demand or a supplied-air respirator in
continuous flow mode are the recommended respiratory protection methods of choice. If a full facepiece
is not available, then chemical goggles should be worn
to protect the eyes. Whenever a chemical splash hazard exists, a face shield and a protective apron should
be worn. To prevent hand and skin exposures, impervious gloves should be used. Glove manufacturers
should be contacted and permeation studies obtained
before final glove selections are made.
Administrative controls should also be in place to
minimize the potential for human exposures. These
may include written procedures or policies which
specify the methods and techniques that will be practiced whenever personnel are to work with thiourea.
All personnel should receive training on the use,
hazards, protective measures, emergency actions, and
other precautions per 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard
Communication), prior to the first assignment in an
area where thiourea is used or stored. Before beginning employment and at regular times thereafter, the
following medical tests are recommended:

Where possible, enclose operations and use local

exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release.
If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not
used, respiratory protection should be mandatory.

Always ensure that proper protective clothing is

worn when using chemical substances and that
personnel are trained in its use and care.

Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to

thiourea and at the end of the work shift or before
eating, drinking, or smoking. Never wear clothes
contaminated with thiourea home. Family members can be exposed.

Hazard warning information should be posted in

the work area. As part of an on-going education
and training program, all information on the
health and safety hazards of thiourea should be
communicated to all potentially exposed workers.

; Lung function tests.

; Complete blood count (CBC)..

; Consider chest X-ray after acute overexposure.

; Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including
careful exposure history and special testing (may
help diagnose skin allergy).

RISK ASSESSMENT: ENVIRONMENT

General Assessment
The environment is at risk of exposure during transportation, storage, disposal, or destruction of thiourea.
In almost every scenario, the threat of environmental
exposure is contingent upon the proper handling of the
chemical substance. Accidental spills, large or small,
can result in fire, explosion, and possible contamination of the surrounding environmental mediums
(water, soil, and air).
Thiourea is considered a non-combustible solid.
However, it is incompatible with a number of commodities. Hazardous polymerization can occur in
contact with acrylaldehyde. Potentially explosive reactions can occur if thiourea is mixed or comes into
contact with acrolein, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric
acid. These characteristics require special consideration during any emergency involving a leak or spill of
thiourea.
The proper disposal/destruction method for
thiourea is to burn it in a chemical incinerator
equipped with an afterburner and air scrubber.

; Consider thyroid test for thyroxin.

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

Thiourea can enter the environment through industrial discharges, photographic laboratories, or
spills.

1 Acute Ecological Effects

Acute (short-term) toxic effects may include the death
of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate
in plants. Acute effects are seen 2 to 4 days after animals or plants are exposed to thiourea.
Thiourea has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life.
It has caused dormancy break increase, and several
other effects, in numerous agricultural crops. Insufficient data are available on the short-term effects of
thiourea on birds or land animals.

0 Chronic Ecological Effects

Chronic (long-term) toxic effects may include shortened life span, reproductive problems, lower fertility,
and changes in appearance or behavior in exposed
animals. These effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to toxic chemicals.
Thiourea has slight chronic toxicity in aquatic life.
No data are available to evaluate the long-term effects
of thiourea to plants, birds, or land animals.

6 Water Solubility
Thiourea is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of
1000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water.

 Persistence in the Environment

Thiourea is virtually non-persistent in water, with an
estimated half-life of less than 2 days. The half-life of
a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one half
of the chemical to be degraded.

O 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
as well as humans.
Thiourea is not expected to accumulate in the edible tissues of aquatic organisms.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Proper training of all transporters will reduce the likelihood of a mishap or accident resulting in a leak or

Page: 5

spill to the environment. The correct use of DOT labeling (per the MSDS) on all containers, trucks, and
rail cars will enable emergency responders to react
properly and quickly to any disaster thereby reducing
the potential risk to the environment and to personnel.
Storage of thiourea should be segregated from incompatible chemicals to minimize the risk of crosscontamination or contact. It must never be stored in
the vicinity of acrylaldehyde since violent polymerization can occur on mixing with thiourea. Buildings
designated for storage should be equipped with appropriate fire protection systems (alarms, sprinklers,
emergency lighting, portable extinguishers).
If a spill or leak to the environment has occurred,
fire department, emergency response, and/or hazardous materials spill personnel should be notified immediately. Cleanup should be attempted only by those
trained in proper spill containment procedures. Contaminated soils should be removed for incineration and
replaced with clean soil. If thiourea should contact the
water table, aquifer, or navigable waterway, time is of
the essence. It is readily soluble in water and, therefore, total containment and remediation may not be
entirely possible. When such spills occur, the local
and/or state emergency response authorities must be
notified. A comprehensive emergency response or
disaster preparedness/recovery plan should be in place
prior to any operations involving the use, transportation, storage, or disposal of thiourea.
If thiourea is spilled or leaked, the following specific steps are recommended:
;

Restrict persons not wearing protective clothing

from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete and area can be opened for normal work.

Ventilate area of spill or leak.

Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or

a similar material and deposit in sealed containers.

If applicable, stop flow of leaking liquid or gas.

If leak source is a cylinder and the leak cannot be
stopped in place, remove leaking cylinder to a
safe place in the open air, and repair or allow
cylinder to empty.

It may be necessary to dispose of thiourea as a

hazardous waste. The responsible state agency or
the regional office of the federal Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) should be contacted for
specific recommendations.

RISK ASSESSMENT: BUSINESS

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

Page: 6
Howard, P. H., et. al. 1991. Handbook of Environmental Degradation
Rates. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

General Assessment
Accidents or mishaps involving thiourea can present a
significant threat to business operations. The loss or
damage of equipment or facilities can significantly
affect fiscal viability. Lawsuits that may result from
personnel injury, public exposures, and/or environmental contamination will also require a serious expenditure of resources. Media attention surrounding
an injury, illness, or environmental damage can also
result in a loss of profits and loss of current as well as
future business. Always remember that anytime the
terms "cancer," "carcinogen," or "reproductive hazard"
are used, public emotion, hysteria, anxiety, and ignorance will run equally high. This must be carefully
considered whenever drafting or implementing public
relations policies.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Company attorneys, safety and health professionals,
and environmental specialists should be involved in
the development of any procedures dealing with safety
or emergency response. A company official should be
pre-designated as a public relations officer with specific training in dealing with the press. Corporate
plans and policies should be developed, approved, and
implemented long before any need for such arises.

Jones, F. E. 1994. Toxic Organic Vapors in the Workplace. New York:

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1996 by CRC Press, Inc.