Toxicity Profiles

RAGs A Format for 2,4-Dinitrotoluene - CAS Number 121142

2,4-Dinitrotoluene is a pale yellow crystalline solid that does not occur naturally. It is one of six possible chemical forms of dinitrotoluene (DNT) that is produced by dinitration of toluene with nitric acid in the presence of sulfuric acid. 2,4-DNT is primarily used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of polyurethanes. It is also used as a component of military and commercial explosives, as an intermediate in dye processes, and as a propellant additive.

The DNTs are absorbed primarily through inhalation but also through ingestion and dermal contact in most species. The initial acute toxic effects of 2,4-DNT in humans include ischemic heart disease; hematological effects characterized by cyanosis, anemia, and leukocytosis; and neurological effects such as dizziness, insomnia, nausea, and tingling pains in extremities. Subchronic and chronic oral toxicity studies with experimental animals indicate that the blood, liver, nervous system, and reproductive system are targets affected by 2,4-DNT.

This substance/agent has not undergone a complete evaluation and determination under US EPA's IRIS program for evidence of human carcinogenic potential. There are no human studies with 2,4-DNT; however, 2,4-DNT caused liver cancer in rats . Although EPA has not evaluated pure 2,4-DNT for evidence of human carcinogenic potential, the dinitrotoluene mixture (containing 2,4-DNT and 2,6-DNT) was classified as a B2 chemical carcinogen, probable human carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that 2,4-DNT is a possible human carcinogen.

The following is a presentation of the toxicity information associated with 2,4-Dinitrotoluene.

Noncarcinogenic Health Effects

• The Oral Chronic Reference Dose is 2.00E-03 (mg/kg-day).
• The Oral Chronic Reference Dose has a modifying factor of 1.
• The Oral Chronic Reference Dose has an uncertainty factor of 100.
• The Oral Chronic Reference Dose is based on the Ellis et al. study from 1985.
• The Oral Chronic Reference Dose study critical effects are neurotoxicity, heinz bodies, and biliary tract hyperplasia.
• The overall confidence in the Oral Chronic Reference Dose is high.
• The Dermal Chronic Reference Dose is 1.70E-03 (mg/kg-day).
• The Dermal Chronic Reference Dose is based on a gastrointestinal absorption factor of 0.8500.

Carcinogenic Health Effects

• The Oral Slope Factor is 6.80E-01 (mg/kg-day)^-1.
• The Dermal Slope Factor is 8.00E-01 (mg/kg-day)^-1.
• The Dermal Slope Factor is based on a gastrointestinal absorption factor of 0.8500.