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Toxics: 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene Disclaimer 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene Introduction | Fate and Transport | Exposure Pathways Metabolism | Health Effects | Regulations Introduction 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene is a yellow, odorless solid that does not occur naturally in the environment. It is commonly known as TNT and is an explosive used in military shells, bombs, and grenades, in industrial uses, and in underwater blasting. 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene production in the United States occurs solely at military arsenals. Fate & Transport 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene enters the environment in waste waters and solid wastes resulting from the manufacture of the compound, the processing and destruction of bombs and grenades, and the recycling of explosives. It moves in surface water and through soils to groundwater. In surface water, it is rapidly broken down into other chemical compounds by sunlight. It is broken down more slowly by microorganisms in water and sediment. Small amounts of it can build up in fish and plants. Exposure Pathways
Health Effects Workers involved in the production of explosives who were exposed to high concentrations of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in workplace air experienced several harmful health effects, including anemia and abnormal liver function. Similar blood and liver effects, as well as spleen enlargement and other harmful effects on the immune system, have been observed in animals that ate or breathed 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. Other effects in humans include skin irritation after prolonged skin contact, and cataract development after long-term (365 days or longer) exposure. It is not known whether 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene can cause birth defects in humans. However, male animals treated with high doses of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene have developed serious reproductive system effects. The EPA has determined that 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene is a possible human carcinogen. This assessment was based on a study in which rats that ate 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene for long periods developed tumors of the urinary bladder. Laboratory tests can detect 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene or its breakdown products in blood or urine. Detection of its breakdown products in urine is a clear indication of exposure. These tests aren't available at most doctors' offices, but can be done at special laboratories that have the right equipment. A simpler, but less specific test of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene exposure is a change in the color of urine to amber or deep red due to the presence of its breakdown products. However, none of these tests can predict whether a person will experience any health effects. Regulations Since 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene is explosive, flammable, and toxic, EPA has designated it as a hazardous waste. The Department of Transportation (DOT) specifies that when 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene is shipped, it must be wet with at least 10% water (by weight) and it must be clearly labeled as a flammable solid. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set a maximum level of 1.5 milligrams of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene per cubic meter of workplace air (1.5 mg/m3) for an 8-hour workday for a 40-hour workweek. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommend an exposure limit of 0.5 mg/m3 in workplace air for a 40-hour workweek. Information excerpted from
Toxicological Profile for 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene |