Where It Comes From
Produced for chemical synthesis (e.g., thiosemicarbazones), dye/pharma manufacturing, metal processing, and lab reagents; releases mainly occur at workplaces that handle it [1][3].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing dust or aerosols at work, skin contact with powders/solutions, or swallowing residues from contaminated hands; community exposure is uncommon but could occur near poorly controlled industrial discharges [1][3].
Why It Matters
Can irritate skin/eyes and be harmful if swallowed; repeated exposure may affect organs. IARC classifies it as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) based on animal evidence [2][1].
Who Is at Risk
Workers in chemical, dye, and pharma production, research labs, and maintenance/cleanup at those sites; people near facilities with inadequate controls [1][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Use closed systems and local exhaust, wear protective gloves and eye/face protection, avoid eating/drinking in work areas, wash hands after handling, and ensure employer training and monitoring per NIOSH/CDC guidance [4].
References
- [1]PubChem Compound Summary: Thiosemicarbazide (CAS 79-19-6). National Library of Medicine (NIH).
- [2]IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans: Thiosemicarbazide. International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO).
- [3]European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Brief Profile/Classification & Labelling: Thiosemicarbazide (CAS 79-19-6).
- [4]CDC/NIOSH. Hierarchy of Controls and chemical safety guidance for workplaces.