m-Dinitrobenzene

Made for use as a chemical intermediate; released from manufacturing plants, munitions production/use, spills, and contaminated waste sites [1].

Breathing workplace air or vapors near spills, skin contact with powders/liquids, or drinking contaminated well water near industrial or military sites [1][2].

Can cause methemoglobinemia and anemia (headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, blue-tinged skin); severe cases can be life-threatening. Repeated exposure has harmed the testes and reduced fertility in male animals; neurological effects can occur [1][2][3].

Workers in explosives/dye manufacturing, people living near munitions-contaminated sites, and infants or people with anemia or heart/lung disease (more sensitive to low oxygen from methemoglobinemia) [1].

At work, use ventilation, protective gloves/clothing, and wash up before eating; avoid skin contact and bring-home contamination. If near industrial/munitions areas, test private wells and follow cleanup advisories; avoid contact with visibly contaminated soil or water [1][2].