HEXAHY»R«-1,3,5-TRINITR»-
1,3,5-TRIAZINE (RDX)
PROFILE OF DRINKING WATER CONTAMINANTS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE
GENERAL INFORMATION
Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine, commonly
designated RDX (British code name for Research De-
partment Explosive or Royal Demolition Explosive), is
an extensively used high-impact explosive in munition
formulations. It is also used as a rat poison.
RDX is chemically stable and can be stored up to 10
months at 85°C without deteriorating.
Production in the United States is mainly at one
Army ammunition plant. RDX in wastewater is not
expected to be appreciable because of the low solubility
of RDX in water. However, the potential for aquatic
pollution may exist from RDX manufacturing, loading,
transportation, and storage.
In soils, RDX persists, resists aerobic bacterial
degradation, and slowly leaches into ground water.
RDX is rapidly degraded by light. Volatilization is not a
significant environmental fate.
PHARMACOKINETICS
RDX is completely absorbed when ingested, the
rate being faster in rats than in humans, and rapidly dis-
tributes to body tissues. Highest RDX levels are found
in kidneys, liver, brain, and heart. RDX is metabolized
by the liver, and its metabolites are excreted in urine.
The metabolites have not been characterized.
HEALTH EFFECTS
Humans
In some case studies of RDX ingestion by military
personnel, symptoms of central nervous system (CNS)
dysfunction including convulsions and coma were ob-
served.
Data gathered through an occupational health study
at an Army ammunition plant indicated that inhalation of
dust containing RDX at unknown levels causes nausea and
CNS dysfunction including convulsions and unconscious-
ness. In another study, medical tests of workers exposed
to 1.57 mg RDX/m3 or less revealed no adverse health
effects.
HEALTH EFFECTS
Experimental Animals
Single oral doses of RDX in rats and mice produce
convulsions, labored breathing, and other CNS effects.
Oral doses of RDX for 10 days in monkeys induced
vomiting and convulsions.
Tests in rabbits indicate that RDX produces
dermatitis. Slight erythema was observed in guinea pigs
after the first but not subsequent applications. No con-
clusive results were obtained in dogs given repeated
topical applications of RDX.
Toxic effects seen in 13-week feeding studies with
rats and mice were increased liver weights and anemia.
Lifetime feeding studies in rats and mice showed in-
creased mortality, weight loss, anemia, liver and kidney
toxicity, testicular degeneration, and prostate inflamma-
tion.
Decreased fertility was observed in a two-genera-
tion reproductive study in rats. Decreased pup weights
and embryo toxicity but no teratogenic effects were seen
in the F, litter.
RDX has not been found to be mutagenic. It in-
duces hepatocellular carcinomas and adenomas in
mice.
OTHER CRITERIA, ANALYSES, AND TREATMENT
TECHNOLOGIES
The American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) 8-hour time-weighted
average Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for exposure to
RDX is 1.5 mg/m3. The U.S. Army Medical
Bioengineering Research and Development Laboratory
recommends an RDX limit of 0.03 mg/L in drinking
water.
Methods are available for the analysis of RDX in
bulk material and in trace quantities. Volumetric meth-
ods involving reduction, hydrolysis, or acid-base titra-
tions are used for bulk analysis. For analyzing trace
quantities (below 10 parts per million), high-perfor-
mance liquid chromatography appears to be the method
of choice. Other methods include thin-layer chroma-
tography, gas-liquid chromatography, and single-sweep
portography.
Treatment technologies for the removal of RDX in
wastewater include ultraviolet (UV) radiation in combi-
nation with hydrogen peroxide, strongly alkaline ion ex-
change resins, chemical oxidation, chemical coagula-
tion with lime, activated carbon, and aerobic and
anaerobic microbial degradation.

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Empirical Formula
Synonyms
CAS Number
Physical State
Molecular Weight
Melting Point
Specific Gravity
Solubility (at 25°C)
Physical and Chemical Properties
c,h6n6o6
RDX, Cyclonite, Hexogen, Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine, Hexahydro-1,3,5-
trinitro-1,3,5-triazine, sym-Trimethylenetrinitramine, 1,3,5-Trinitrohexahydro-s-
triazine, T4
121-82-4
White crystalline solid
222.26
204'1°C	02N
1.816 at 20°C	2	2
In water. 7.6 mg/L. In acetone: 8.3% w/w. In nitrobenzene: 1.5% w/w.
n(o2
rNvi
NOc
Health Effects Data and Advisory Values
Genotoxicity
RDX did not induce genetic effects in Salmonella typhimurium and Saccharo-
myces cerevisiae assays, or in a rat dominant lethal assay. No unscheduled
DNA synthesis was seen in in vitro studies with human fibroblasts.
Reproductive and
Developmental Effects
Reduced rates of mating and fertility and decreased litter size and pup sur-
vival, but no teratogenic effects, were reported in a two-generation study of
Fischer 344 rats. No developmental effects were found in New Zealand
rabbits below maternally toxic doses.
Cancer Classification
EPA Group C, possible human carcinogen, based on hepatocellular adenomas
and carcinorrias in female B6C3F1 mice.
Reference Dose (RfD)
0.003 mg/kg/day

Drinking Water
Equivalent Level (DWEL)
0.1 mg/L

Health Advisory Values
One-Day
Ten-Day
Longer-Term (child)
Longer-Term (adult)
Lifetime
0.1 mg/L
0.1 mg/L
0.1 mg/L
0.4 mg/L
0.002 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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