N-Nitrosodiethanolamine

**Semantic type:** Hazardous or Poisonous Substance

**Definition:** A pale yellow, oily liquid nitrosamine with a characteristic odor that is light sensitive and emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides when heated to decomposition. N-Nitrosodi-n-butylamine is primarily used in laboratory research to induce tumors in experimental animals, but is also used as an intermediate in the synthesis of di-n-butylhydrazine. This substance is detected in various foods, including smoked meats, cheese and soybean oil, as a result of nitrosation of amines that are present in these products and is detected as a contaminant in rubber products. Exposure to N-Nitrosodi-n-butylamine irritates the skin and eyes and may damage the liver and kidneys. This substance is mutagenic in animals and is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. (NCI05)

**Synonyms:** - 2,2'-(Nitrosoimino)bisethanol - N-NITROSODIETHANOLAMINE - N-nitrosobis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine - N-nitrosoiminodiethanol - NDELA