3,4-Dinitrotoluene

Fire Extinguishing Agents: Water, CO2, dry chemical (USCG, 1999)

Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention .

Fire extinguishing agents: Water, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources. /Dinitrotoluenes, molten/

If material on fire or involved in fire: Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. /Dinitrotoluene, liquid; dinitrotoluene, solid/

1) REMOVE ALL IGNITION SOURCES. 2) VENTILATE AREA OF SPILL. 3) FOR SMALL QUANTITIES, SWEEP ONTO PAPER OR OTHER SUITABLE MATERIAL & BURN IN SUITABLE COMBUSTION CHAMBER WHICH ALLOWS BURNING IN UNCONFINED CONDITION & IS EQUIPPED WITH APPROPRIATE EFFLUENT GAS CLEANING DEVICE. LARGE QUANTITIES MAY BE RECLAIMED ... IF ... NOT PRACTICAL, DISSOLVE IN FUEL OIL & ATOMIZE IN SUITABLE COMBUSTION CHAMBER EQUIPPED WITH APPROPRIATE EFFLUENT GAS CLEANING DEVICE. /DINITROTOLUENE/

Environmental considerations - water spill: Use natural deep water pockets, excavated lagoons, or sand bag barriers to trap material at bottom. Remove trapped material with suction hoses. If dissolved, in region of 10 ppm or greater concentration, apply activated carbon at ten times the spilled amount. Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates. /Dinitrotoluene, liquid; dinitrotoluene, solid/

Environmental considerations - land spill: Cover solids with plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water. /Dinitrotoluene, liquid; dinitrotoluene, solid/

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

1) BY MAKING PACKAGES OF DINITROTOLUENE IN PAPER OR OTHER FLAMMABLE MATERIAL & BURNING IN SUITABLE COMBUSTION CHAMBER WHICH ALLOWS BURNING IN UNCONFINED CONDITION & IS EQUIPPED WITH APPROPRIATE EFFLUENT GAS CLEANING DEVICE. 2) BY DISSOLVING IN FUEL OIL & ATOMIZING IN SUITABLE COMBUSTION CHAMBER EQUIPPED WITH APPROPRIATE EFFLUENT GAS CLEANING DEVICE. /DINITROTOLUENE/

Dinitrotoluene is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration. Pretreatment involves contact of the dinitrotoluene contaminated waste with sodium carbonate and solid combustibles followed by incineration in an alkaline scrubber equipped incinerator unit. /Dinitrotoluene/

Consult an expert! Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. The completeness of the cleaning procedures should be considered before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at the end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

Eating and smoking should not be permitted in areas where dinitrotoluene or liquids containing dinitrotoluene are handled, processed, or stored. Employees who handle these substances should wash their hands thoroughly with soap or mild detergent and water before eating, smoking, or using toilet facilities. /Dinitrotoluene/

... PROGRAM TO PREVENT HEALTH IMPAIRMENT DUE TO EXPOSURE TO AROMATIC NITRO-COMPOUNDS REQUIRES EXPOSURE CONTROL & MED SUPERVISION, ... JOB ANALYSIS TO ENSURE PROPER HANDLING PROCEDURES, ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT DESIGN FOR ... OPERATING & MAINTENANCE, & APPROPRIATE VENTILATION WITH AIR-POLLUTION CONTROL ARE MIN REQUIREMENTS. TOTALLY ENCLOSED SYSTEMS ARE PREFERRED. ... AIR ANAL CAN BE HELPFUL; BUT IN GENERAL, RESULTS HAVE BEEN MISLEADING DUE TO LOW VAPOR PRESSURE ... & CONTAMINATION OF SURFACES WHERE SKIN CONTACT OCCURS. ... MIST FROM HOT CHARGES, LEAKING LINES, STEAMING OPERATIONS, HOT DRAINAGE DITCHES, ETC ... . DRAINAGE CANNOT BE IGNORED AS SOURCES OF GROSS SKIN EXPOSURE ... . /NITRO-CMPD, AROMATIC/

Respirators may be used when engineering and work practice controls are not technically feasible, when such controls are in the process of being installed, or when they fail and need to be supplemented. Respirators may also be used for operations which require entry into tanks or closed vessels, and in emergency situations. If the use of respirators is necessary, the only respirators permitted are those approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (formerly Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration) or by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. /Dinitrotoluene/

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for 3,4-DINITROTOLUENE (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

EC50; Species: Chlorella pyrenoidosa (Green algae); Concentration: 0.61 umol/L for 96 hr; Effect: population, decreased maxiumum density (yield) /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/

EC50; Species: Photobacterium phosphoreum; Concentration: 1.58 umol/L for 15 min; Effect: decreased bioluminescence /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea) 1st instar larva; Conditions: freshwater, static, 20 °C, pH 7.2-8.6, hardness 26 mg/L CaCO3, alkalinity 45 mg/L CaCO3, dissolved oxygen 8.8 mg/L; Concentration: 3100 ug/L for 48 hr; Effect: intoxication, immobilization /formulation/

LC50; Species: Pimephales promelas (Fathead Minnow) juvenile; Conditions: freshwater, static, 20 °C, pH 7.2-8.6, hardness 26 mg/L CaCO3, alkalinity 45 mg/L CaCO3, dissolved oxygen 7.2 (6.8-8.5) mg/L; Concentration: 1500 ug/L for 96 hr /formulation/

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), estimated Koc values of 575(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), and 370(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 2.08(3), indicate that 3,4-dinitrotoluene is expected to have moderate to low mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 3,4-dinitrotoluene from moist soil surfaces is not expected to occur(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 9.3X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(2). 3,4-Dinitrotoluene is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an extrapolated vapor pressure of 3.5X10-4 mm Hg(4). 3,4-Dinitrotoluene is susceptible to photolysis on surfaces exposed to sunlight(5). Limited biodegradation data specific to 3,4-dinitrotoluene suggest that it is not readily biodegradable according to the Japanese MITI test(6) but can be co-metabolized(7). Biodegradation may be an important fate process for 3,4-dinitrotoluene based on results of various screening tests for other dinitrotoluene isomers that demonstrated microbial degradation(8-11).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), estimated Koc values of 575(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), and 370(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 2.08(3), indicate that 3,4-dinitrotoluene is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(4) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 9.3X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(2). According to a classification scheme(5), measured BCF values of less than 2.7(6) suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. 3,4-Dinitrotoluene is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(4). In aqueous solution, 3,4-dinitrotoluene has a quantum yield of 0.00007 at 313 nm(7) indicating that it is susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC); based on this quantum yield, the photolysis half-life in surface water under summer conditions is slightly over 32 hours(7). Limited biodegradation data specific to 3,4-dinitrotoluene suggest that it is not readily biodegradable according to the Japanese MITI test(6) but can be co-metabolized(8). Biodegradation may be an important fate process for 3,4-dinitrotoluene based on results of various screening tests for other dinitrotoluene isomers that demonstrated microbial degradation(9-12).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 3,4-dinitrotoluene, which has an extrapolated vapor pressure of 3.5X10-04 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. At temperatures below 15 °C, the gas/particle partitioning model predicts that 3,4-dinitrotoluene will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases. Vapor-phase 3,4-dinitrotoluene is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 84 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.92X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC), determined using a structure estimation method(3). Particulate-phase 3,4-dinitrotoluene may be removed from the air by wet or dry deposition(SRC). 3,4-Dinitrotoluene is susceptible to direct photolysis in sunlight(4).

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ The log of the 48 hr immobilization concentration (IC50) of Daphnia magna was 1.49 umol/L for 3,4-dinitrotoluene in static tests. Using a semi-static procedure, the log of the 21 day IC50 was 0.78 umol/L for 3,4-dinitrotoluene. The log of the lowest concentration of 3,4-dinitrotoluene tested that significantly (p< 0.01) lowered the population growth constant of Daphnia after 21 days was 0.24 umol/L. This same concentration was the lowest concentration to significantly (p< 0.01) lower the mean length of Daphnia after 21 days.

Blue lips, fingernails and skin. Headache. Dizziness. Nausea. Confusion. Convulsions. Unconsciousness.

MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Further see Inhalation.

See Inhalation.

Dokai Bay, Kitakyushu City, Japan: 1979, 6 industrial wastewater drains, 16.7% pos, 19 ppb, estimated daily discharge into bay, 1470 g/day(1). 3,4-Dinitrotoluene was detected in 63.3% of the 54 samples of condensate water collected from a TNT manufacturing facility at a range of 0.03-1.3 mg/L; a minimum of one sample per week was collected over a one year period(2). 3,4-Dinitrotoluene was detected in a wastewater sample from an ammunition production facility at a concentration of 9 ug/L(3).

Initial Medical Examination: a) A complete history and physical examination: The purpose is to detect existing conditions that might place the exposed employee at increased risk and to establish a baseline for future health monitoring. Examination of the blood, liver, and cardiovascular system should be stressed. b) A complete blood count: Dinitrotoluene has been shown to cause methemoglobinemia. Those with blood disorders may be at increased risk. A complete blood count should be performed, including a red cell count, a white cell count, a differential count of a stained smear, as well as hemoglobin and hematocrit. Observe for Heinz bodies. c) Liver function tests: Since liver damage has been observed in humans exposed to dinitrotoluene, a profile of liver function should be obtained by using a medically acceptable array of biochemical tests. Periodic Medical Examination: The aforementioned medical examination should be repeated on an annual basis. Methemoglobin determinations should be performed at any time overexposure is suspected or signs and symptoms of toxicity occur. The level of dinitrotoluene in the urine should be monitored; excretion of dinitrotoluene in excess of 25 mg/liter indicates significant absorption. /Dinitrotoluene/

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of 3,4-dinitrotoluene can be estimated to be 575(SRC). Using a structure estimation method based on a log Kow of 2.08(2), the Koc of 3,4-dinitrotoluene can be estimated to be 326(SRC). According to a classification scheme(3), these estimated Koc values suggest that 3,4-dinitrotoluene is expected to have medium to low mobility in soil.

3,4-Dinitrotoluene's formation during the production of isomeric mixtures of dinitrotoluenes for intermediate use in the manufacturing of toluene diisocyanate and dyestuffs(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). 3,4-Dinitrotoluene is also formed during explosive production, such as TNT and ammunition manufacture, and released in wastewaters(2,3).

AEROBIC: 3,4-Dinitrotoluene was not mineralized in water from a pond and from Waconda Bay; however, 3,4-dinitrotoluene was co-metabolized when 500 ppm of yeast extract was added to the water from these two sources(1). The rate of degradation with added yeast extract in Searsville Pond water was 6.1X10+10 mL/cell-hour, and in Waconda Bay water 0.89X10+10 mL/cell-hour(1). 3,4-Dinitrotoluene, present at 100 mg/L, reached 0% of its theoretical BOD in 2 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L and the Japanese MITI test(2).

This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Dinitrotoluene is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart. /Dinitrotoluene/

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 10 lb or 4.54 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).

3,4-Dinitrotoluene is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.

Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations. /Dinitrotoluene/