International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations
N-NITROSODIETHYLAMINE
VOL.: 1 (1972) (p. 107)
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Animal carcinogenicity data
N-Nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) is carcinogenic in all ten animal species
tested, including sub-human primates. The main target organs are the
nasal cavity, trachea, lung, oesophagus and liver. It induces tumours
following different routes of administration, including ingestion,
inhalation and skin painting. It is carcinogenic in single-dose
experiments and following prenatal exposure.
5.2 Human carcinogenicity data
Many data on the occurrence in the human environment have been
obtained by inadequate analytical methods and must await confirmation.
Considerable progress has been made in the development of adequate and
specific methods for trace analysis and more information is to be
expected in the near future.
The possibility of a formation of DEN from precursors, diethylamine
and nitrosating agents, in vivo, must receive further attention. No
long-term studies of human subjects exposed to DEN are known.
Subsequent evaluations:
Vol. 17 (1978); Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 67: Group 2A)
For definition of Groups, see Preamble Evaluation.
Last updated: 12 March 1998