Tetranitromethane

Synonyms

Tetan; Tetranitromethane; [ChemIDplus] UN1510

Category

Oxidizers

Description

Colorless to pale-yellow liquid or solid (below 57 degrees F) with a pungent odor; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used in rocket fuels, explosives, and diesel fuel; [ACGIH]

Comments

Mucous membrane and respiratory irritation, pulmonary edema, and methemoglobinemia have been reported after occupational exposure; similar toxicity plus kidney and liver damage have been observed in animal experiments; Listed in the table "Examples of Industrial Chemicals for Which Methemoglobin Formation is NOT the Principal Cause of Toxicity"; [ACGIH] Can cause reddening of skin if left on clothes; [CHRIS] A lachrymator; [CHEMINFO] A severe skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Can induce methemoglobinemia; May cause pulmonary edema; [ICSC]

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

Yes

0.005 ppm

1 ppm

4 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Other animal data: Cats exposed to 10 ppm for 20 min died within ten days [Flury and Zernik 1931]. It has been reported that cats exposed to 7 to 25 ppm for periods ranging from 2.5 to 5 hours died within 1 to 5.5 hours [Sievers et al. 1947]. . . . Human data: It has been stated that concentrations above 5 ppm may cause irreversible lung and systemic damage [Koelsch 1917].

8.42 mm Hg

LC50 (rat) = 18 ppm/4H

Explanatory Notes

Flash point > 235 deg F; VP from HSDB;

Yes

Yes

MetHgb is secondary toxic effect

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

Possible (2b)

Anticipated human carcinogen

Confirmed Animal

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Pneumonitis, toxic