# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
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 | 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
Personal Protection & Sanitation 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 a high-efficiency particulate filter/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
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