1,3 DINITROBENZENE (BNB)
PROFILE OF DRINKING WATER CONTAMINANTS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE
GENERAL INFORMATION
1,3-Dinitrobenzene (DNB) is a by-product in
the manufacture of trinitrotoluene (TNT) explo-
sives and nitrobenzene. It is used primarily in
the production of m-phenylenediamine; a dye
intermediate.
Production in the United States takes place
mainly at one commercial plant in New Jersey
where the 1983 production was reported to be
70,000 to 72,000 pounds. DNB occurs in the
waste stream from TNT production and in waste-
waters from dinitrobenzene manufacturing. It is
also released to the atmosphere.
The environmental fate of DNB is not known,
but in general, aromatic nitro compounds are
resistant to hydrolysis and probably do not
oxidize in water. DNB is not expected to
bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms. Prelimi-
nary indications are that photolytic degradation
may be an important fate while volatilization is
not Microbial degradation occurs in waste
streams.
PHARMACOKINETICS
. Inhalation and dermal absorption have been
inferred from occupational exposures. Absorp-
tion of oral doses of DNB by rats and rabbits is
63-93%. DNB is distributed mainly to liver, fat,
kidney, and nerve tissues and excreted primarily
In the urine. Metabolism to the nitroanilines is
the major metabolic pathway.
HEALTH EFFECTS
Humans
After occupational exposure to DNB dust (con-
centration unknown), six workers developed
cyanosis, anemia, dizziness, and fatigue. Cyanosis
and hemolytic jaundice were seen in another
worker that was thought to have received dermal
exposure of DNB. Formation of methemoglobin
and urinary excretion of 2,4-dfnitrophenoJ were ob
served in the worker.
HEALTH EFFECTS
Experimental Animals
Acute toxicity in rats is associated with respi-
ratory failure, central nervous system distur-
bances including ataxia, motor dysfunction, and
coma, and testicular damage and infertility.
No studies of potential dermal sensitization
are available.
Drinking water studies in rats for 8 and 16
weeks showed decreased splenic and testicular
weights and decreased spermatogenesis.
Effects reported from a 12-week oral study
with rats were reduced spermatogenesis, atrophy
of seminiferous tubules, reduced litter size, and
ultimately infertility as well as increases in hemo-
siderin deposition in the spleen.
Although DNB is a potent testicular toxicant,
no information on potential reproductive toxicity
in females is available, and no multi-generation
reproductive or developmental toxicity studies
were located.
No lifetime or carcinogenicity studies were
found.
DNB is mutagenic in some Salmonella
strains.
OTHER CRITERIA, ANALYSES, AND TREAT-
MENT TECHNOLOGIES
The American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) 8-hour time-
weighted average Threshold Limit Value for ex-
posure to DNB and the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) standard for expo-
sure to all dinitrobenzenes are 1 mg/m3.
Methods available for the analysis of DNB in-
clude gas chromatography, electron capture, tan-
dem mass spectrometry, and spectrophotometric
determination.
Treatment technologies for the removal of
DNB in wastewater include aerobic or anaerobic
microbial degradation, photolysis, and slaking
with lime.

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Physical and Chemical Properties
Empirical Formula
c6h4n2o4
Synonyms
DNB, 1,3-DNB, m-Dinitrobenzene, m-DNB
CAS Number
99-65-0 NQ«
Physical State
Colorless to yellow crystalline solid at room I ^

temperature
Molecular Weight
168.11 ||
Boiling Point
300-302°C at 770 mm Hg L II
Melting Point
89.8°C
Specific Gravity
1.571 at 0-4°C
Vapor Pressure
0.0039 mm Hg at 20°C
Solubility
In water: 369 mg/L at 20°C and 500 mg/L at 25°C.
Health Effects Data and Advisory Values
Genotoidty
Mixed results (positive and negative) in Salmonella typhimurium strains with
and without activation. No effect on Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Escherichia
coli. No increase in unscheduled DNA synthesis in cultivated rat hepatocytes.
Reproductive and
Developmental Effects
Nine studies of male reproductive function using single, short-term, or longer-
term oral doses show testicular damage and infertility. However, no repro-
ductive or developmental studies evaluating potential reproductive effects in
females are available.
Cancer Classification
EPA Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.
Reference Dose (RfD)
0.0001 mg/kg/day

Drinking Water
Equivalent Level (DWEL)
0.005 mg/L

Health Advisory Values
One-Day
Ten-Day
Longer-Term (child)
Longer-Term (adult)
Lifetime
0.04 mg/L
0.04 mg/L
0.04 mg/L
0.14 mg/L
0.001 mg/L
This summary was developed using information from the Drinking Water Health Advisory.
For further information contact EPA's Office of Science and Technology at (202) 260-7571.
Office of Science and Technology
Office of Water
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
June 17,1991

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