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ERDC/CRREL TR-02-1
Toxicity Associated with Explosives
In addition to the many hazards associated with energetic compounds, the
toxicological aspects of explosives must also be taken into consideration. Secon-
dary explosives are considered carcinogenic and mutagenic. The toxicity of
explosive chemicals has been studied extensively by the U.S. Army Biomedical
Research and Development Laboratory, and a summary of these investigations
has been published (Rosenblatt 1986, Burrows et al. 1989). For an indication of
the toxicity of explosives on human health, Table A1 presents drinking water
criteria for six explosive compounds at a lifetime exposure cancer risk level of
drinking water indicates high levels of toxicity.
Table A1. Drinking water criteria for
munitions-related chemicals.
Compound
Criteria (ppb, g/L)
1.0
TNT
2.0
RDX
400
HMX
0.17
2,4-DNT
0.0068
2,6-DNT
1.0
1,3,5-TNB
For EM-contaminated soils, no general recommendations concerning rele-
vant toxicological properties have been issued. In the United States, the threshold
levels in soils are evaluated on a site-by-site basis, depending on factors such as
the proximity of the contaminated soils to other locations and the use of sur-
rounding groundwater. Future use of the site is also taken into account. On the
other hand, generic criteria for soils and groundwater have been calculated by
Daniels and Knezowitch (1994). The same human health-based criteria were
calculated using a Canadian model under a DREV contract in 1997 (Rouisse
1997).
As mentioned previously, explosive compounds are not volatile, with the
exception of NG, so no specific precautions must be taken to prevent the inhala-
tion of explosive vapor. If NG is a possible contaminant, a strong organic odor
will be detected on the site. If this is encountered, an organic vapor protective
respiratory mask should be worn at all times during sampling and manipulation
of these soils or water samples. For all other energetic compounds, this protective
equipment is not needed. However, explosive crystals dispersed in the soil may
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