title: Exposure to trinitrotoluene and health effects among workers in an artillery and ammunition plant.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine urinary trinitrotoluene (TNT), 2-amino-4, 6-dinitrotoluene (2ADNT) and 4-amino-2, 6-dinitrotoluene (4ADNT) and health effects upon workers in an ammunition plant.
  
  
  METHODS
  The urine samples from forty munition workers and forty office workers were monitored for TNT and its metabolites by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The workers were interviewed with a questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The median levels of TNT and its metabolites were 112.84 and ranged from non-detectable (ND) to 1,833.81 mg/L. Median levels for 2ADNT were 11.66, ranging from ND to 360.89 mg/L. Median levels for 4ADNT were 19.95 and ranged from ND to 314.28 mg/L. There were significant correlations between TNT and 2ADNT in urine (r = 0. 700, p-value < 0.001), as well as for TNT and 4ADNT (r = 0.783, p-value < 0.001). Exposed workers reported eye, nose and throat irritations, weakness and headaches with considerably higher frequency than non-exposed workers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TNT levels in urine were strongly associated with 4ADNT and 2ADNT levels. Workers exposed to TNT complained of nose, throat and eye irritation, along with overall weakness and headaches.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Center of Excellence on Environmental Health, Toxicology and Management of Chemicals (ETM), Bangkok, Thailand. phpkt@mahidol.ac.th
authors.forename: Pornpimol
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kongtip
authors.forename: Smart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Preklang
authors.forename: Witaya
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Yoosook
authors.forename: Suttinun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chantanakul
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D016272:Occupational Health; D014303:Trinitrotoluene / Q000652:urine
chemical_list: D014303:Trinitrotoluene