Well, it has some scent, but not enough to give a headache!
As for the hands going numb, people should be washing their hands more often or start wearing nitrile gloves. Anyone who handles any solvent should know there's a danger in it. And traction compound is definitely a solvent. Prolonged exposure to any chemical can cause problems.
However, if you have sensitivities to it, you should be taking appropriate precautions, such as wearing gloves and going OUTSIDE ONCE IN AWHILE! I think that's one of the biggest errors RC guys make is that they don't take breaks from the pit space enough. I love working on my stuff but even I can't sit and stare at my car for extended periods of time. I get eye-strain from working on my car at times. Not to mention going buggy from being in the same place for 4 hours straight, during those bigger races!
Not bashing anyone, just pointing out that a little common sense goes a long way to prolonging health.