TRINITR0GLYCEROL (TNG)
PROFILE OF DRINKING WATER CONTAMINANTS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE
GENERAL INFORMATION
Trinitroglycerol, or glyceryl trinitrate, has been
widely used in commercial blasting and military
explosives. It is also used extensively as a therapeutic
vasodilator in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
TNG is a chemically stable solid at temperatures
below 13.5°C and may be stored below 50°C for
many years. At 50-6CKI it rapidly volatilizes and
decomposes.
TNG is produced for the military at selected Army
ammunition plants.
Information on the environmental fete of TNG is
not available. However, TNG dissolves in wastewa-
ter, is incompletely transformed by bacteria, and has
been shown to be toxic to microflora in activated
sludge.
PHARMACOKINETICS
TNG is rapidly and completely absorbed follow-
ing ingestion by rats, mice, and dogs and is distrib-
uted mainly to liver, skeletal muscles, and kidneys in
these species. Excretion of radiolabeled TNG and its
metabolites is primarily in urine. TNG is almost com-
pletely transformed in the body, but the role of the
liver or other organs in its biotransformation is not es-
tablished.
HEALTH EFFECTS
Humans
Data gathered from clinical and occupational stud-
ies indicate that sublingual, dermal, or inhalation expo-
sures cause severe headaches, flushing, postural hypo-
tension, psychic disturbances, convulsions, difficulty in
breathing, and cyanosis (a bluish discoloration of the
skin). Death is often due to respiratory failure. With re-
peated exposures, tolerance may develop to some ad-
verse effects.
Occupational health surveys of workers at an Army
ammunition plant indicated that atmospheric TNG lev-
els of 0 to 12.5 mg/m3 cause ischemic heart disease,
chest pain, headaches, rash, and death. Other occupa-
tional studies found reduced blood pressure, peripheral
circulatory disorders, Raynauds phenomena, peripheral
neuropathy, and severe coronary sclerosis.
Although TNG has been used extensively as a
therapeutic vasodilator, there are no reports of carcino-
genicity in humans.
HEALTH EFFECTS
Experimental Animals
Tests in rabbits show that TNG is a very mild skin
irritant but not an eye irritant. In guinea pigs, TNG is
a moderate skin irritant.
The only adverse effects observed in 4-week oral
studies of TNG toxicity in rats, mice, and dogs were
decreased food consumption and weight gain.
After 13 weeks of oral exposure to TNG, the only
significant effect observed in rats, mice, and dogs was
elevated SGOT levels in high-dose rats.
The toxic effects of 12-24 month dietary expo-
sures to TNG in rats, mice, and dogs included de-
creased weight gain and food consumption in rats
and mice and pathologic changes in blood in all
three species and in liver and testes of rats.
Reproductive effects in rats were attributed to
TNG induced testicular tumors and malnutrition.
TNG is weakly mutagenic in some strains of Sal-
monella. It is not mutagenic in yeast and mammalian
assays.
In a 24-month study, rats exposed to TNG in their
diets exhibited liver carcinomas and tumors of the
testes.
OTHER CRITERIA, ANALYSES, AND
TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES
Methods for the analysis of TNG below 10 parts
per million in aqueous solutions include high pres-
sure liquid chromatography followed by ultraviolet
detection of nitrate esters and gas-liquid chromatogra-
phy using electron capture. Other methods are avail-
able for analysis of high concentrations of TNG in
water.
Treatment technologies for the removal of TNG
in wastewater include activated sludge with lime pre-
treatment and hydrolysis using ethanol or Ca(OH)r
Biotransformation studies show that bacteria incom-
pletely degrade TNQ*

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Physical and Chemical Properties
Empirical Formula
Synonyms
CAS Number
Physical State
Molecular Weight
Boiling Point
Melting Point
Specific Gravity
Vapor Pressure
Solubility
Flash Point
Autoignition
CjHjINOjJj
TNG, 1,2,3-Propanetriol trinitrate, Glyceryl trinitrate, Trinitroglycerol,
Nitroglycerin, Trinitrin
55-63-0
Pale yellow, viscous liquid
227.09
145°C
13.5°C
1.592 at 20°C
2.6 x 104 mm Hg at 20°C
In water 0.18% w/v. Inethanol: 25%w/w.
256°C
250-260°C
ch2— 0N02
CH — ONOo
I
ch2— ono2
Health Effects Data and Advisory Values
Genotoxicity
Results in in vitro Salmonella typhimurium tests were negative to weakly
genotoxic. Negative in in vitro Chinese hamster ovary assays. Negative in in
vivo bone marrow and kidney cells (rat), dominant lethal (rat), and kidney
cells and lymphocytes (dog and rat).
Reproductive and
Developmental Effects
Severe infertility observed in a three-generation reproduction study in rats was
attributed to TNG-induced testicular tumors and malnutrition. Results of
teratological studies were inconclusive.
Cancer Classification
Not classified by EPA.
Reference Dose (RfD)
Not determined
Drinking Water
Equivalent Level (DWEL)
Not determined
Health Advisory Values
One-Day 0.005 mg/L
Ten-Day 0.005 mg/L
Longer-Term 0.005 mg/L
Lifetime 0.005 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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