Where It Comes From
Made for dyes, explosives, and other chemicals; can enter air, water, or soil during manufacturing or spills, including at waste sites [1][3].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing workplace dust/vapor, skin contact, or drinking contaminated water near facilities or waste sites; routine consumer exposure is uncommon [1][2][3].
Why It Matters
Causes methemoglobinemia with headache, dizziness, blue skin, and shortness of breath; high doses may cause collapse. Repeated exposure can harm blood and nerves; some dinitrobenzenes affect male fertility in animals [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
Workers in dyes/explosives/chemical plants; people with G6PD deficiency, anemia, or heart/lung disease [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Work: use ventilation, gloves/goggles/protective clothing; avoid skin contact; wash up; don’t bring contaminated clothes home. Community: heed advisories, use alternate water if advised, report spills/odors [1][2][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Dinitrobenzenes and Trinitrobenzenes.
- [2]CDC/NIOSH. Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: o-Dinitrobenzene (1,2-dinitrobenzene).
- [3]U.S. EPA. Hazard Summary: 1,2-Dinitrobenzene.