m-Dinitrobenzene

Synonyms

1,3-Dinitrobenzene; 1,3-Dinitrobenzol; 2,4-Dinitrobenzene; Benzene, 1,3-dinitro-; Benzene, m-dinitro-; Dinitrobenzene; Dwunitrobenzen [Polish]; m-DNB; m-Dinitrobenzene; meta-Dinitrobenzene; [ChemIDplus] UN1597

Category

Nitros, Aromatic

Description

Pale-white or yellow, crystalline solid; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Usually manufactured as a mixture of 3 isomers, DNB is used to make dyes, explosives, celluloids, and organic chemicals; [ACGIH]

Comments

Methemoglobinemia, liver injury, and visual impairment (central scotomas) have been reported in exposed workers. Listed in table of "Industrial Chemicals for Which Methemoglobin Formation is the Principal Cause of Toxicity"; [ACGIH] m-Dinitrobenzene was eliminated from in vitro testing after little response was detected, even at high concentrations. [French CL et al. Potency ranking of methemoglobin-forming agents. J Appl Toxicol. 15(3):167-74 (1995).]; An eye and respiratory tract irritant; Can induce methemoglobinemia and have effects on the liver; [ICSC]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Methemoglobin in blood = 1.5% of hemoglobin during or at end of shift. [ACGIH]

Yes

1 mg/m3, inhalable fraction and vapor

1 mg/m3

50 mg/m3

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Human data: The probable lethal oral dose has been reported to be 2 grams [Deichmann and Gerarde 1969]. [Note: An oral dose of 2 grams is equivalent to a worker being exposed to about 1,300 mg/m3 for 30 minutes, assuming a breathing rate of 50 liters per minute and 100% absorption.]

0.0002 mm Hg

Explanatory Notes

Flash point = 302 deg F; VP from HSDB;

MetHgb is primary toxic effect

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Methemoglobinemia, acute