NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene

CAS
118-96-7

CH3C6H2(NO2)3

RTECS
XU0175000
Synonyms & Trade Names

1-Methyl-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene; TNT; Trinitrotoluene; sym-Trinitrotoluene; Trinitrotoluol
DOT ID & Guide
1356 / 113 (wet)

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: TWA 0.5 mg/m3 [skin]
OSHA PEL†: TWA 1.5 mg/m3 [skin]
IDLH
500 mg/m3 See: 118967
Conversion
Physical Description
Colorless to pale-yellow, odorless solid or crushed flakes.
MW: 227.1
BP: 464°F (Explodes)
MLT: 176°F
Sol(77°F): 0.01%
VP: 0.0002 mmHg
IP: 10.59 eV

Sp.Gr: 1.65
Fl.P: ? (Explodes)
UEL: ?
LEL: ?

Combustible Solid (Class A Explosive)
Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong oxidizers, ammonia, strong alkalis, combustible materials, heat [Note: Rapid heating will result in detonation.]
Measurement Methods
OSHA 44
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated/Daily
Remove: When wet or contaminated
Change: Daily

First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Soap wash promptly
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
Up to 5 mg/m3:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*
Up to 12.5 mg/m3:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode*
Up to 25 mg/m3:
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Up to 500 mg/m3:
(APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters./Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Important additional information about respirator selection
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Irritation skin, mucous membrane; liver damage, jaundice; cyanosis; sneezing; cough, sore throat; peripheral neuropathy, muscle pain; kidney damage; cataract; sensitization dermatitis; leukocytosis (increased blood leukocytes); anemia; cardiac irregularities
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, blood, liver, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, kidneys
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0967   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0231