ToxFAQsTM for HMX
Spanish: HMX
CAS#: 2691-41-0
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This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions about HMX. For more information, you may call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-888-422-8737. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. It is important you understand this information because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present.
Highlights
HMX is an explosive. People who work at facilities that make HMX may be exposed to it. In one human study, no adverse effects were reported in workers exposed to unknown concentrations of HMX. Animal studies indicate that HMX may be harmful to the liver and central nervous system if it is swallowed or gets on the skin. HMX has been found in at least 10 of the 1,416 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
What is HMX?
HMX is an acronym for High Melting
eXplosive. It is also known as octogen and cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine,
as well as by other names. It is a colorless solid that dissolves
slightly in water. Only a small amount of HMX will evaporate
into the air; however, it can occur in air attached to suspended
particles or dust. The taste and smell of HMX are not known.
HMX does not occur naturally in the environment.
It is made from other chemicals known as hexamine, ammonium
nitrate, nitric acid, and acetic acid. HMX explodes violently
at high temperatures. Because of this property, HMX is used
in various kinds of explosives, rocket fuels, and burster
chargers. A small amount of HMX is also formed in making cyclotrimethylene-trinitramine
(RDX), another explosive similar in structure to HMX.
What happens to HMX when it enters the environment?
- Most of the HMX that entered the environment was released
into waste water from places that made or used HMX.
- A small amount of HMX can be released to the air as dust
or ash from facilities that burn waste contaminated with
HMX.
- Some HMX may be released to soil as a result of accidental
spills, the settling of HMX-containing dust particles from
the air, or the disposal of waste that contains HMX in landfills.
- Dust particles containing HMX may be carried by the wind
for some distance.
- In surface water, HMX does not evaporate or bind to sediments
to any large extent. Sunlight breaks down most of the HMX
in surface water into other compounds, usually in a matter
of days to weeks.
- HMX is likely to move from soil into groundwater, particularly
in sandy soils.
- It is not known if plants, fish, or animals living in
contaminated areas build up levels of HMX in their tissues.
How might I be exposed to HMX?
There is no information on how often you might be exposed to HMX in the environment or to how much. Most people, however, probably won't be exposed to HMX from the environment.
People who work at facilities that make or use HMX or RDX may be exposed to HMX. These workers may be exposed by inhaling dusts that contain HMX or by getting HMX-containing liquids on their skin.
People who live near facilities that make or use HMX, or near hazardous waste sites that contain HMX may also be exposed if a release occurs. For these residents, exposure (if any) is most likely to occur from contaminated groundwater.
How can HMX affect my health?
Information on the adverse health effects
of HMX is limited. In one human study, no adverse effects
were reported in workers who breathed HMX. However, the concentrations
of HMX in the workplace air were not reported in this study,
and only a small number of workers and effects were investigated.
Studies in rats, mice, and rabbits indicate
that HMX may be harmful to your liver and central nervous
system if it is swallowed or gets on your skin. It is not
known if HMX can affect the ability to have children, or if
it can cause birth defects.
How likely is HMX to cause cancer?
There is no information available as
to whether or not HMX can cause cancer in animals or people.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that
HMX is not classifiable as to its human carcinogenicity.
Is there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to HMX?
You can find out if you have been exposed
to HMX by having your blood, urine, or feces tested for HMX.
Since HMX is poorly absorbed after it is swallowed, the levels
of HMX in your blood and urine are likely to be lower than
those in your feces. For best results, tests for HMX should
be done within a few days after you are exposed.
These tests cannot tell you how much
HMX you have been exposed to or predict whether or not you
will have any health effects. This test isn't available at
most doctors' offices, but can be done at special laboratories
that have the right equipment.
Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human health?
The EPA recommends that the concentration
of HMX in an adult's drinking water be less than 0.4 milligrams
per liter (0.4 mg/L) for a lifetime. EPA regulates waste containing
HMX as hazardous and has set restrictions on its disposal
in landfills.
The Department of State regulates the
exportation of HMX, and the Department of Transportation (DOT)
regulates its transportation.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
(ATF) regulates the importation, manufacture, distribution,
and storage of HMX.
Glossary
Carcinogenicity: Ability to cause cancer.
CAS: Chemical Abstracts Service.
Dissolve: To disappear gradually.
Evaporate: To change into a vapor or
a gas.
References
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR). 1997. Toxicological Profile for HMX. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, Public Health Service.
Where can I get more information?
If you have questions or concerns, please contact your community or state health or environmental quality department or:
For more information, contact:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Office of Innovation and Analytics, Toxicology Section
4770 Buford Highway
Chamblee, GA 30341-3717
Phone: 1-800-CDC-INFO 888-232-6348 (TTY)
Email: Contact CDC-INFO
ATSDR can also tell you the location of occupational and environmental health clinics. These clinics specialize in recognizing, evaluating, and treating illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances.