Acute Inhalation Toxicity of Pyrotechnically Disseminated Terephthalic Acid
Abstract
Terephthalic Acid (TPA) CAS 100-21-0 is a component in several smoke grenades and pots and is used widely in the chemical industry for the production of polyesters. Because exposure of troops could occur from the pyrotechnic dissemination of TPA, the Research Directorate (Toxicology Division) of CRDEC conducted an acute inhalation toxicological evaluation of TPA from thermally disseminated devices to mimic field exposure. Groups of amle, Fischer 344 rats were exposed by nose-only inhalationto 100, 200, and 400 mg/cu.m of TPA for 30 min. Exposed rats and respective groups of air and fuse/fuel exposed controls were evaluated for physiological, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and histopathological changes at 24-hr and 14-day post-exposures (PEs). There were no adverse changes in pulmonary function, BAL parameters, or histopathology. Inhalation of TPA resulted in a reversible, dose-related rhinorrhea; TPA is a mild irritant to mucous membranes. Gas-phase byproducts (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide) were below the threshold limit values for short-term exposures as established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. The particulate products were nonmutagenic in the Ames mutagenicity assay. TPA appears to be an excellent candidate for a safe training smoke.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA199234
Entities
People
- Charles L. Crouse
- David C. Burnett
- Roger J. Hilaski
- Sandra A. Thomson
- William T. Muse Jr.
Organizations
- Edgewood Chemical Biological Center