Toxicity Profiles

RAGs A Format for 2,6-Dinitrotoluene - CAS Number 606202

2,6-Dinitrotoluene (2,6-DNT) is a pale yellow crystalline solid that does not occur naturally. 2,6-DNT 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. 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. DNT isomers are formed as by-products during the manufacture of trinitrotoluene (TNT).

The DNTs are absorbed through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact in most species. Human data regarding potential health effects of 2,6-DNT are very limited. A significant increase in the death rate due to ischemic heart disease has been associated with occupational exposure to DNT. The evidence for potential reproductive effects (reduction of sperm counts) in male workers exposed to a mixture of DNT isomers is equivocal. Oral subchronic toxicity studies with rats, mice, and dogs indicate that the blood, liver, and reproductive system are targets affected by 2,6-DNT in all three species.

This substance 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 2,6-DNT; however 2,6-DNT caused liver cancer in rats. Although EPA has not evaluated pure 2,6-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 2,6-DNT is a possible human carcinogen.

The following is a presentation of the toxicity information associated with 2,6-Dinitrotoluene.

Noncarcinogenic Health Effects
  • The Oral Chronic Reference Dose is 1.00E-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 3000.
  • The Oral Chronic Reference Dose is based on the Lee et al. dog study from 1976.
  • The Oral Chronic Reference Dose study target organ is whole body.
  • The Oral Chronic Reference Dose study critical effect is neurological, hematological and liver histopathology.

  • The Dermal Chronic Reference Dose is 8.50E-04 (mg/kg-day).
  • The Dermal Chronic Reference Dose is based on a gastrointestinal absorption factor of 0.8500.

  • The Oral Subchronic Reference Dose is 1.0E-02 (mg/kg-day).
  • The Oral Subchronic Reference Dose has a modifying factor of 1.
  • The Oral Subchronic Reference Dose has an uncertainty factor of 300.
  • The Oral Subchronic Reference Dose is based on the Lee et al. dog study from 1976.
  • The Oral Subchronic Reference Dose study target organ is whole body.
  • The Oral Subchronic Reference Dose study critical effect is neurological, hematological and liver histopathology.

  • The Dermal Subchronic Reference Dose is 8.50E-03 (mg/kg-day).
  • The Dermal Subchronic 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 Oral Unit risk is 1.90E-02 (mg/L)-1.
  • The Oral Slope Factore is based on the Ellis et al. rat study from 1979.
  • The Oral Slope Factor study target organ is liver and mammary gland.

  • 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.