Evaluation of Shipboard Formation of a Neurotoxicant (Trimethylolpropane Phosphate) from Thermal Decomposition of Synthetic Aircraft Engine Lubricant

MIL-L-23699 lubricants that are composed principally of trimethylolpropane triheptanoate TMP and tricresyl phosphate TCP have been shown to form a neurotoxicant, trimethylolpropane phosphate TMPP, during pyrolysis andor combustion. Mechanistically, TMPP is thought to irreversibly inhibit the GABA-mediated inhibitory response and thereby produce epileptiform clonictonic seizures with convulsions followed by death. Thermal decomposition of MIL-L-23699 lubricant produces TMPP under laboratory conditions, but this product has not been detected in the workplace following actual fires. This study has examined whether TMPP is produced during an actual shipboard fire by placing the synthetic lubricant in a fire environment aboard the ex-U.S.S. Shadwell, Mobile, Alabama. Both biological and chemical analyses were performed on the thermally decomposed lubricant to ensure detection of the neurotoxic material. Under the conditions of this study, the formation of TMPP during a shipboard fire was confirmed. The implications of this finding for safe management of post-fire cleanup are discussed.