International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations
N-NITROSODIETHYLAMINE
VOL.: 17 (1978) (p. 83)
CAS No.: 55-18-5
Chem. Abstr. Name: N-Ethyl-N-nitroso-ethanamine
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
N-Nitrosodiethylamine is carcinogenic in all animal species tested:
mice, rats, Syrian golden, Chinese and European hamsters, guinea-pigs,
rabbits, dogs, gerbils, pigs, monkeys, hedgehogs, various fish, frogs
and birds. It induces benign and malignant tumours after its
administration by various routes including ingestion, parenteral
injection, inhalation and rectal instillation. The major target organs
are the liver, respiratory and upper digestive tracts and kidney. It
is carcinogenic following its administration prenatally and in single
doses. In several studies, dose-response relationships were
established.
N-Nitroso-N-ethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, a metabolite of
N-nitrosodiethylamine, produced mainly liver tumours after its oral
administration to rats.
5.2 Human data
No case reports or epidemiological studies were available to the
Working Group. Available information on occurrence suggests that the
general population may be exposed to low levels of
N-nitrosodiethylamine; however, no exposed group suitable for an
epidemiological investigation has yet been identified.
5.3 Evaluation
There is sufficient evidence of a carcinogenic effect of
N-nitrosodiethylamine in many experimental animal species. Although no
epidemiological data were available, N-nitrosodiethylamine should be
regarded for practical purposes as if it were carcinogenic to
humans.
Previous evaluation: Vol 1 (1972)
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (p. 67: Group 2A)
For definition of terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Synonyms
- DEN
- DENA
- N,N-Diethylnitrosamine
- Diethylnitrosamine
- Nitrosodiethylamine
- NDEA
Last updated: 27 March 1998