For definition of Groups, see Preamble Evaluation. Tetranitromethane is produced commercially by nitration of acetic anhydride or acetylene. Tetranitromethane has been used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants and explosives.
Few data are available on human exposure to tetranitromethane.
No data were available to the Working Group. 5.3 Animal carcinogenicity data Tetranitromethane was tested for carcinogenicity in one study in mice and in one study in rats by inhalation exposure. No human or experimental animal data were available to the Working Group on the absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion of tetranitromethane. No human data were available on the toxic effects of tetranitromethane. Tetranitromethane induced lethargy, reduced body-weight gain and inflammatory changes in the upper and lower respiratory tract of rats and mice.