Current Intelligence Bulletin 22: Ethylene Thiourea (ETU)

The purpose of this bulletin is to recommend that ethylene thiourea be handled in the workplace as if it were a human carcinogen and teratogen. During development of a NIOSH Special Occupational Hazard Review on ethylene thiourea, it became apparent that exposure to ethylene thiourea poses a risk of teratogenesis, particularly to the central nervous system, which is greater than has been generally recognized. The NIOSH literature review clearly shows ethylene thiourea to be a teratogen and a carcinogen in laboratory rats with supportive studies in other species. Pending completion of a NIOSH Special Occupational Hazard Review, this Current Intelligence Bulletin has been prepared to provide early dissemination of the information since NIOSH believes it would be prudent to minimize occupational exposure to ethylene thiourea. There is no current Occupational Safety and Health Administration exposure standard for ethylene thiourea.

Current Intelligence Bulletin 22: Ethylene Thiourea (ETU)