What kind of cancer does nitrosamines cause?
Nitrosamines are considered to be strong carcinogens that may produce cancer in diverse organs and tissues including lung, brain, liver, kidney, bladder, stomach, esophagus, and nasal sinus.
Are balloons carcinogenic?
Balloons can release the carcinogenic chemicals when in contact with saliva – for example, when you blow them up or when children suck on them or inhale, when blowing the balloon up. Soothers and feeding bottles also have legal requirements for the release of nitrosamines and nitrosatable substances.
Are nitrosamines toxic?
Of particular interest is the nitrosamine N-nitrosodimethylamine (DMN). This semi-volatile organic compound is highly toxic and is a suspected human carcinogen. At higher doses, it has been shown to be a hepatotoxin that causes liver fibrosis and cancer in several animal species.
How does N nitrosamines cause DNA damage?
Metabolism of nitrosamines subsequently induces alkylating DNA damage via the formation of DNA adducts such as O6-alkylguanine, oxidative stress and production of diazonium ions. Humans are exposed to these agents through various foods and tobacco smoke.
Are nitrosamines in plastics?
Nitrosamines or their precursors occur in a wide variety of foods and manufactured and natural products, such as agricultural chemicals, tobacco, detergents, rust inhibitors, cutting fluids, rub- ber additives, solvents, drugs, plastics, tanned leather products, tex- tiles, and cosmetics (ATSDR 1989).
Why are nitrosamines a concern?
Nitrosamines are a class of mutagenic impurities produced by the reaction of a secondary or tertiary amine with a nitrosating agent. Nitrosamine impurities such as NDMA and N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) are of concern due to their potential to cause cancer.
How do you reduce nitrosamine?
If you drink well water, your local health department can help you find out if this is a problem in your area. You can also have your water tested by a laboratory. Eat a diet high in antioxidants. Vitamin C and certain other vitamins can reduce the conversion of nitrates and nitrites to nitrosamines.