Agent Name |
Trimellitic anhydride |
CAS Number |
552-30-7 |
Formula |
C9-H4-O5 |
Major Category |
Plastics & Rubber |
Synonyms |
1,2,4-Benzenetricarboxylic anhydride; 4-Carboxyphthalic anhydride; TMA; TMAN; Trimellic acid anhydride; [Note: TMA is also a synonym for Trimethylamine.]; [NIOSH] |
Category |
Acid Anhydrides |
Description |
Colorless solid; [NIOSH] |
Sources/Uses |
Used primarily as a curing agent for alkyl and epoxy resins; [Rom p. 1213] |
Comments |
There are three syndromes caused by trimellitic anhydride (TMA) based on its ability to irritate and sensitize lung tissue. Sensitized workers can develop upon reexposure 1) asthma-rhinitis; 2) late respiratory systemic syndrome (LRSS); or very rarely 3) pulmonary disease anemia syndrome (PDA). [Grammer LC et al. Review of trimellitic anhydride (TMA) induced respiratory response. Allergy Asthma Proc 1997 Jul-Aug;18(4):235-7] Workers exposed to less than 0.002 mg/m3 are at low risk for developing disease. [Grammer LC et al. A Clinical and Immunologic Study to Assess Risk of TMA-Induced Lung Disease as Related to Exposure. JOEM 1999 Dec;41(12):1048-51] |
Reference Link |
Review of trimellitic anhydride (TMA) induced respiratory response |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Yes |
TLV (ACGIH) |
0.0005 mg/m3, inhalable fraction and vapor |
STEL (ACGIH) |
0.002 mg/m3, inhalable fraction and vapor |
MAK |
0.04 mg/m3 |
Vapor Pressure |
4 x 10 -06 mm Hg |
Reference Link |
A clinical and immunologic study to assess risk of TMA-induced lung disease as related to exposure |
Adverse Effects |
Asthma |
Yes |
Anemia |
Anemia, Hemolytic |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: TRIMELLITIC ANHYDRIDE
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