DIETHYLNITROSAMINE
(AND RELATED NITROSAMINES)

Diethylnitrosamine (and related nitrosamines)
(N-nitrosodiethylamine; N-ethyl-N-nitrosoethananime)
CAS 55-18-5

(CH₃CH₂ )₂ N-NO

Yellow liquid
bp 177 °C
Soluble in water

Not available

1.7 mmHg at 20 °C

61 °C

Not available

LD₅₀ oral (rat) 280 mg/kg

Probable human carcinogen (OSHA "select carcinogen"); other nitrosamines should also be regarded as carcinogenic.

The acute toxicity of diethylnitrosamine is classified as moderate. Other nitrosamines of higher molecular weight are somewhat less toxic. Harmful exposure to nitrosamines can occur by inhalation and ingestion and may cause nausea, vomiting, and fever. This substance does not have adequate warning properties.

Chronic exposure to nitrosamines can cause severe liver damage. Diethylnitrosamine is listed in IARC Group 2A ("probable human carcinogen") and is classified as an OSHA "select carcinogen." Nitrosamines are suspected of causing cancers of the lung, nasal sinuses, brain, esophagus, stomach, liver, bladder, and kidney. Diethylnitrosamine is mutagenic and teratogenic.

Volatilization during combustion produces hazardous vapors. Combustion products contain nitrogen oxides.

Diethylnitrosamine is decomposed by strong acids, liberating nitrous acid. Nitrosamines are incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

Because of its carcinogenicity, diethylnitrosamine should be handled using the "basic prudent practices" of Chapter 5.C, supplemented by the additional precautions for work with compounds of high chronic toxicity (Chapter 5.D). In particular, work with diethylnitrosamine should be conducted in a fume hood to prevent exposure by inhalation, and appropriate impermeable gloves and splash goggles should be worn at all times to prevent skin and eye contact.

In the event of skin contact, immediately wash with copious amounts of water while removing contaminated clothing. Place contaminated items in a plastic bag. Seal the bag and dispose of it appropriately. In case of eye contact, promptly wash with copious amounts of water for 15 min (lifting upper and lower lids occasionally) and obtain medical attention. If diethylnitrosamine is ingested, obtain medical attention immediately. If diethylnitrosamine is inhaled, move the person to fresh air and seek medical attention at once.

In the event of a spill, immediately evacuate and isolate the area. Decontamination should be performed by trained people wearing self-contained breathing apparatus and impervious clothing. The diethylnitrosamine should be soaked up with absorbents and placed in closed containers for disposal. After pickup is complete, wash the spill site and ventilate the area.

Excess diethylnitrosamine and waste material containing this substance should be placed in an appropriate container, clearly labeled, and handled according to your institution's waste disposal guidelines.

The information in this LCSS has been compiled by a committee of the National Research Council from literature sources and Material Safety Data Sheets and is believed to be accurate as of July 1994. This summary is intended for use by trained laboratory personnel in conjunction with the NRC report Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals. This LCSS presents a concise summary of safety information that should be adequate for most laboratory uses of the title substance, but in some cases it may be advisable to consult more comprehensive references. This information should not be used as a guide to the nonlaboratory use of this chemical.

Copyright 1995 National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.