Trinitrotoluene

Trinitrotoluene (TNT, or Trotyl) is a pale yellow crystalline aromatic hydrocarbon compound that melts at 354 K (178 °F, 81 °C). Trinitrotoluene is an explosive chemical and a part of many explosive mixtures, such as when mixed with ammonium nitrate to form amatol. It is prepared by the nitration of toluene (C6H5CH3), it has a chemical formula of C6H2(NO2)3CH3, and IUPAC name 2,4,6-trinitromethylbenzene.

Toxicity

Some military testing grounds are contaminated with TNT. Wastewater from munitions programs including contamination of surface and subsurface waters may be colored pink as the result of TNT and RDX contamination. Such contamination, called pinkwater, may be difficult and expensive to remediate.

Related Topics:
Subsurface waters - RDX - Pinkwater - Remediate

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TNT is quite toxic. It can also be absorbed through the skin, and will cause irritation and bright yellow staining. During the First World War, munition workers who handled the chemical found that their skin turned bright yellow, which led to the nickname for such workers, canary girls or canaries, and ginger hair would turn green. A 1916 Government inquiry on female workers at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich found that 37% had severe pains due to loss of appetite, nausea and constipation, 25% suffered from dermatitis, and 34% experienced changes in menstruation. Before respirators and protective grease applied to the skin were introduced, about 100 workers died from the disease.

Related Topics:
Toxic - First World War - Skin - Yellow - Hair - Green - 1916 - Female - Royal Arsenal - Woolwich - Appetite - Nausea - Constipation - Dermatitis - Menstruation

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People who are exposed to TNT over a prolonged period tend to experience anemia and abnormal liver functions. Blood and liver effects, spleen enlargement and other harmful effects on the immune system have also been found in animals that ingested or breathed trinitrotoluene. There is evidence that TNT adversely affects male fertility, and TNT is listed as a possible human carcinogen. Consumption of TNT produces black urine.

Related Topics:
Anemia - Liver - Blood - Spleen - Immune system - Male - Fertility - Carcinogen - Urine

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