Mammalian Toxicology and Toxicity to Aquatic Organisms of TNT, DNT, and Other Munitions Manufacturing Waste Constituents of Pink Water - A Literature Evaluation.

Acutely toxic doses of TNT to mammals vary with species and route of administration, starting somewhere below 200 mg/kg. No LD50 values have been determined. Chronic doses in the range of 5-100 mg/kg cause anemia, hemolysis and associated disorders in mammals. In man, hematologic changes are followed by such manifestations as toxic hepatitis, effects on the central nervous system, and, on extremely prolonged exposure, cataract formation. The order of magnitude for DNT toxicity, is about that for TNT. No evidence has been found for mutagenic, carcinogenic and teratogenic effects, or for sensitization, by TNT or DNT. The main TNT metabolite identified in biochemical studies is 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene. DNT appears to be somewhat less toxic to fish than TNT and 'relatively nontoxic' to microorganisms. (Modified author abstract)