Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine (C3H6N6O6) is a chemical compound present in many production processes, but few are well-aware of its impact on the health of workers. This article will explore the health risks and protective measures when working in an environment where this chemical is used.
1. What is Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine?
Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine, commonly known as RDX, is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C₃H₆N₆O₆. However, the formula C₆H₁₂N₄O₆ that you mentioned is not the correct formula for RDX. RDX is a powerful explosive, widely used in military and industrial applications. The molecular structure of RDX consists of a three-nitrogen ring (triazine) with three nitro groups (-NO₂) attached at different positions on the ring, which gives it its powerful explosive properties.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine | Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine | 29336900 | 121-82-4 | C3H6N6O6 |
See more: chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine originate from in the production process?
During production, Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine (RDX) is mainly created from chemical reactions in explosives manufacturing plants or chemical-related industrial facilities. RDX can be synthesized through the nitration process of basic compounds like hexamine, a highly reactive organic substance. This reaction usually takes place in an environment with strong acids, such as nitric acid, and requires specific temperature and pressure conditions. This process produces RDX as the main product, and may also generate some additives and other byproducts. In manufacturing plants, the presence of RDX is usually the result of chemical reactions that occur during the processing or production of explosives, and it can be released into the work environment if safety measures are not strictly followed.

3. Industries that use Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine in production
Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine is used mainly in the explosives and explosive materials manufacturing industries. The military industry is one of the largest consumers of RDX, as it is a key component in many types of weapons and munitions, such as bombs, mines, and missiles. In addition, RDX is also used in the mining industry, especially for blasting in mineral extraction, to help break up rock and soil in mines. Some other industries also use Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine in applications that require powerful explosive materials, such as construction, where hard ground needs to be broken for work to proceed. The use of RDX in these industries requires strict safety measures to minimize risks to workers and the environment.
4. How does Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine affect workers?
Exposure to Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine can cause many negative health effects for workers, especially when they work in an environment where this chemical is used without adequate protective measures. Workers in explosives manufacturing plants, mining, or other industries using RDX may experience respiratory problems if they inhale the dust or vapor of this substance. Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine can cause respiratory tract irritation, leading to coughing, shortness of breath, or bronchitis. In addition, when this substance comes into direct contact with the skin, it can cause skin irritation, rashes, itching, or dermatitis. In some severe cases, with prolonged exposure, it can cause liver and kidney damage.
In addition to the direct effects on physical health, workers may also experience long-term impacts related to their mental health. Studies show that working in an environment with RDX can increase the risk of developing diseases related to the nervous system, such as neurological disorders or memory problems. These effects can become severe without strict protective and control measures.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine for human exposure depends on international occupational safety regulations and standards. Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have issued maximum permissible exposure limits (PELs) for toxic chemicals, including RDX. However, because Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine is a powerful and toxic explosive, there is no absolute safe threshold for long-term exposure or exposure at high concentrations. Typically, the concentration of RDX in the air or work environment must be strictly controlled to avoid exceeding harmful limits.
These standards require that the concentration of Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine in the air not exceed a certain level, usually below the level that causes acute poisoning symptoms. For hazardous substances like RDX, the permissible safe concentration is often calculated based on studies of its health effects, including its potential to cause nerve, liver, kidney, or respiratory damage. When the concentration of RDX in the air exceeds the safe level, workers must be protected by personal protective equipment such as respirators, protective gear, and ventilation systems in the factory.

On a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative effects of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the effects of Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine on worker health
To minimize the effects of Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine on worker health, preventive and protective measures must be strictly applied in the work environment. First, it is necessary to establish air quality control procedures in the production area, ensuring that the concentration of RDX does not exceed the permissible level. An effective ventilation system, especially in explosives manufacturing plants, is a key factor in minimizing exposure to this chemical through the air.
In addition, workers must be fully equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators, gloves, protective clothing, and specialized safety glasses to prevent direct contact with the poison. In cases of working in an environment with high concentrations of Cyclotrimethylene Trinitramine, the use of dust masks and full-body protective suits is very important.
To protect worker health, the company also needs to conduct periodic health check-ups, including tests related to liver, kidney, and respiratory function. Workers must be fully trained on the health risks associated with this substance and preventive measures to ensure safety during work. Early monitoring and warning measures also help to promptly detect any health problems, allowing for effective intervention and treatment.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated about the risks and safety measures when working with this type of chemical. This training should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper adherence to safety rules.
Periodically organize workplace environmental monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, and from there, adjusting to reduce the level of harm to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit for monitoring and measuring the quality of the working environment across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports customers in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center is concerned with customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, engineering, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in the field of workplace environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
- We provide customers with the best and most suitable things possible.
- Along with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.

- Coming to the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service with experts in the field of monitoring. At the same time, you will get the best cost incentives.
8. Quotation for Workplace Environmental Monitoring
To help businesses carry out workplace environmental monitoring in a professional and effective manner, Nam Viet provides our customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation for workplace environmental monitoring services.
- Our quotation provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. You can be completely confident in the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
- We are committed to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are also always ready to provide consultation and answer any questions about monitoring services in the quickest and most professional manner.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, you can easily choose the service packages that suit your needs. We are committed to bringing you the highest satisfaction with our professional service quality.

