Nitro-aromatic compounds carcinogenic potential

The larger concern about nitro-aromatic compounds is that environmental exposure to these molecules can cause cancer in humans and in other living organisms. Nitro-aromatic compounds are acutely toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic in laboratory mammals and in vitro test systems [6, 8]. Despite the potential negative impact of nitro-aromatic compounds on human health, they continue to be emitted into ambient air from municipal incinerators [9], motor vehicles (particularly from diesel exhausts) [10, 11], industrial power plants [12], and other sources. Evidence... 

DOT CLASSIFICATION 6.1 Label Poison SAFETY PROFILE Confirmed carcinogen. A poison. Moderately toxic by ingesdon. Mucous membrane effects by inhalation. Mutation data reported. Combustible when exposed to heat or open flame. To fight fire, use water spray, fog, foam, CO2. Potentially explosive reaction with alkali (e.g., sodium hydroxide). When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx. See also other methylnitrobenzene entries and NITRO COMPOUNDS OF AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS. 

Aliphatic and aromatic nitro compounds are reduced at relatively positive potentials via the hydroxylamines to the corresponding amines. The carcinogenic 4-nitroquinoline-/V-oxide is determined by DPP in the presence of 4-hydroxyam-inoquinoline-/V-oxide and 4-aminoquinoline-/V-oxide via the reduction of the nitro group [79]. Nitrazepam, parathion, nitrofurantoin, and the ni-troimidazoles in blood plasma or urine are also determined via the reduction of the respective nitro groups. 

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