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International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations

N-NITROSO-N-ETHYLUREA

VOL.: 17 (1978) (p. 191)

CAS No.: 759-73-9
Chem. Abstr. Name: N-Ethyl-N-nitrosourea

5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation

5.1 Experimental data

N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea is carcinogenic in all animal species tested: mice, rats, Syrian golden hamsters, rabbits, opossums, pigs and monkeys. It produces benign and malignant tumours following its administration by different routes including single oral doses; the main target organ appears to vary with the route of administration. Prenatal exposure to the substance has been shown to be particularly effective in producing tumours of the nervous system. In several studies, dose-response relationships were established.

5.2 Human data

No case reports or epidemiological studies were available to the Working Group. No information on the occurrence or use of N-nitroso-N-ethylurea was available.

5.3 Evaluation

There is sufficient evidence of a carcinogenic effect of N-nitroso-N-ethylurea in several experimental animal species. Although no epidemiological data or information on occurrence were available, N-nitroso-N-ethylurea should be regarded for practical purposes as if it were carcinogenic to humans.

Previous evaluation: Vol 1 (1972)

Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 63: Group 2A)

For definition of terms, see Preamble Evaluation.

Synonyms


Last updated: 27 March 1998




























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