Water Quality Criteria for Hexahydro-1,3,5-Trinitro-1,3,5-Triazine (RDX)
Abstract
Health and environmental effects data were analyzeed for RDX and a literature review presented. Information on the toxic effects of RDX on aquatic organisms is limited. From the data that are available, it appears that freshwater fish are more susceptible to RDX toxicity than freshwater invertebrates, having a range of LC50 values from 4.1 to 6.0 mg/L in 96-hr static tests, and 6.6 to 13 mg/L in 96-hr flow-through tests. EC50 values (based on immobilization) of >15 mg/L in flow-through tests and >100 mg/L in static tests were reported for four freshwater invertebrate species. Bioconcentration of RDX in freshwater fish appears to be minimal, with values for edible tissue ranging from 1.4 to 1.7. Chronic RDX intoxication in workers is characterized by epileptiform seizures (generalized convulsions (and unconsciousness. Seizures are followed by temporary amnesia, disorientation, and asthenia. No clinical information describing fatal cases of RDX poisoning is available. Oral LD50 values reported in the literature for RDX range from 44 to 300 mg/kg in the rat. During a 2-yr feeding study with rats, the major toxic effects of RDX included anemia with secondary splenic lesions, hepatotoxicity, possible CNS involvement, and urogenital lesions. Insufficient data were available to calculate a water quality criterion for aquatic organisms using USEPA guidelines. Based on noncarcinogenic mammalian toxicity data, an ambient water quality criterion for the protection of human health and sensitive populations of 103 micrograms/L is proposed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA169506
Entities
People
- Elizabeth L. Etnier
Organizations
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory