DETERMINATION OF TRINITROTOLUENE AND METABOLITES IN URINE BY MEANS OFGAS-CHROMATOGRAPHY WITH MASS DETECTION

Biological monitoring of chemicals and/or their metabolites has been a recent development in South Africa with the publication of the Hazard ous Chemical Substance Regulations in 1995. Although trinitrotoluene ( TNT) exposure has been included in recent legislative developments, on ly occupational exposure limits have been set. TNT does not have a bio logical exposure index in South Africa or internationally. This study was conducted to determine levels of TNT and its metabolite excretion in a sample of munition workers by using gas-chromatography with mass detection methodology. The metabolites 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene (4AD NT) and 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2ADNT) in urine of exposed subject s, as well as total TNT (the sum of 4ADNT and 2 ADNT), were used to de termine absorption and excretion due to TNT exposure. Results indicate d an increased absorption of TNT during the working week as compared t o other published international studies. Post-shift values exceeded pr e-shift levels in all samples. More reliable and specific research is necessary to set a biological threshold limit for TNT and its metaboli tes since monitoring indicated no definite symptoms, signs or biologic al effects due to increased excretion.