Trinitrotoluene - A compound that is used as a constituent in many types of explosives
Unexploded Ordnance - Military munitions that have been primed, fuzed, armed, or otherwise prepared for action and that have been fired, dropped, launched, projected, or placed in such a manner as to constitute a hazard to operations, installation, personnel, or material and remain unexploded by malfunction, design, or any other cause
The training location where artillery and mortar targets were placed and fired at (Camp Edwards has a 5,000 acre impact area)
This fact sheet is a part of a series of chemical fact sheets to address community concerns on public health and environmental issues associated with the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR). Contributing Agencies
Where can I get more information about this chemical?
What is the Impact Area Groundwater Study Program? For more information, contact:
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Chemical Fact Sheet - TNT
What is TNT?
How is TNT used at MMR?
Where is TNT found at MMR? TNT and/or TNT breakdown products have been detected at MMR in groundwater at and downgradient of the Central Impact Area, Demolition Area 1 and the J Ranges area.
How might I be exposed to TNT?
Is exposure to TNT likely to cause cancer?
How may TNT affect my health?
In scientific experiments conducted on laboratory animals using high doses, results indicated that exposure to high levels of TNT via inhalation or ingestion may cause liver, blood, immune system, and reproductive damage. While it is not known if health effects seen in laboratory animals will be the same for people, the results of animal studies are used to predict potential health effects in people. At high air levels (above the level permitted today in the workplace) workers involved in the production of TNT experienced anemia and abnormal liver tests. After long term exposure to skin and eyes some people developed skin irritation and cataracts, respectively. There is no information that TNT causes birth defects in people.
What Federal and State standards exist to protect public health and the environment? Currently there are no regulatory levels for TNT breakdown products in soil or groundwater; however, it is known that these compounds have toxic effects similar to that of TNT. |
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Administrative Notice |