Where It Comes From
Production, testing, use, and disposal of military munitions; leaks and past open burning/open detonation can contaminate nearby soil and groundwater [1].
How You Are Exposed
Drinking contaminated private well water; contact with soil or dust near sites; eating homegrown food irrigated with contaminated water; workplace handling of explosives [1][2].
Why It Matters
High short-term doses can cause nausea, vomiting, and seizures; longer exposure has harmed liver, kidneys, and testes in animals. It’s unknown if RDX causes cancer in people, though some animal studies found tumors [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
People living near military bases or munitions plants, cleanup and demolition workers, private well users, and young children or pregnant people [1].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Test private wells if you live near ranges or contaminated sites; use alternative water or certified treatment (e.g., granular activated carbon) if RDX is detected; follow local soil/gardening advisories and workplace protections [1][2].
References
- [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs for RDX (Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
- [2]U.S. EPA. Technical Fact Sheet – RDX. EPA 505-F-17-011. 2017.