Dimethyl sulfate

Made and used in chemical manufacturing as a methylating agent; not intended for consumer use; breaks down in moisture but can pose acute hazard near releases [4].

Mainly by breathing vapors or skin contact at work; nearby communities are exposed only during spills or accidents; you can’t rely on smell to warn you [3][4].

Causes severe burns and delayed lung injury that can be life‑threatening after a few hours; classified as probably carcinogenic (IARC) and reasonably anticipated human carcinogen (NTP) [3][1][2].

Workers in chemical plants and labs, emergency responders, and people near an industrial release; those with asthma or lung disease may be more sensitive [3][4].

For workers—use closed systems, local exhaust, chemical‑resistant gloves/clothing, and appropriate respirators; get training and emergency decontamination plans. For communities during a release—go indoors, close windows/HVAC, move upwind if told, and rinse skin/eyes promptly if contacted [3][4].