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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




























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