ToxFAQs
CAS# 86-30-6
April 1993
|
|
| SUMMARY: The general population and people in the workplace are probably not exposed to N-nitrosodiphenylamine. People living near hazardous wastesites may, however, be exposed to N-nitrosodiphenylamine by drinking contaminated water or by touching or breathing contaminated soil and dust. Limited animal studies suggest that N-nitrosodiphenylamine can damage the bladder and kidneys. It has been found in at least 172 of 1,300 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency. |
What is N-nitrosodiphenylamine?
(Pronounced ni-tro' so-di-fen' il-ah-meen)
N-Nitrosodiphenylamine is an industrial compound. It is an orange-brown or yellow solid that has been produced since 1945. It is used to make rubber products such as tires or to make other chemicals.
In the early 1980s, most U.S. rubber manufacturers replaced it with more efficient chemicals. Today, only one manufacturer in the United States produces N-nitrosodiphenylamine. We do not know if it occurs naturally in the environment. There is some evidence that microorganisms make it.
What happens to N-nitrosodiphenylamine when it enters the environment?
There is very little information on the effects of N-nitrosodiphenylamine on human health. There is also not enough information from animal studies to estimate how exposure to it will affect your health.
Animal studies have identified levels and exposures that can cause death. Animals given high levels of N-nitrosodiphenylamine in their diets for long periods of time developed swelling, cancer of the bladder, and changes in body weight. We don't know if these effects would occur in humans. We also don't know if it can affect pregnancy or cause birth defects.
How likely is N-nitrosodiphenylamine to cause cancer?
The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that N-nitrosodiphenylamine is a probable human carcinogen. This is based on a long-term study in rats showing an increase in bladder cancer in the group exposed to high levels of N-nitrosodiphenylamine. There is no evidence that it causes bladder cancer in people.
Although EPA has classified N-nitrosodiphenylamine as a probable carcinogen, the animal data are limited. Other public health agencies have concluded that no evaluation of N-nitrosodiphenylamine's carcinogenicity in people is currently possible. Additional research is needed.
Is there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to N-nitrosodiphenylamine?
No tests are available to determine if you have been exposed to N-nitrosodiphenylamine. There are tests to detect N-nitrosodiphenylamine and its breakdown products in the blood and urine of exposed animals, but these tests have not been used for people.
Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human health?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends limits on how much N- nitrosodiphenylamine can be present in bodies of water such as lakes and rivers. The recommended levels are 49,000 nanograms or less of N-nitrosodiphenylamine per liter of water (49,000 ng/L). One nanogram is one billionth of a gram. At this level, EPA estimates that your risk of getting cancer is very low.
For drinking water, the EPA sets a limit of 700 micrograms or less of N-nitrosodiphenylamine per liter of drinking water (700 µg/L). One microgram is one millionth of a gram. N-nitrosodiphenylamine is also considered to be a hazardous waste, and the EPA requires industry to immediately report a spill of more than 100 pounds to the National Response Center of the federal government.
Glossary
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 1993. Toxicological profile for N-nitrosodiphenylamine. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.
Where can I get more information?
ATSDR can tell you where to find occupational and environmental health clinics. Their specialists can recognize, evaluate, and treat illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. You can also contact your community or state health or environmental quality department if you have any more questions or concerns.
For more information, contact:
U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services