WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
INTERNATIONAL AGENCY FOR RESEARCH ON CANCER
IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans
Volume 17
Some N-Nitroso Compounds
N-Nitrosodi-n-butylamine
N-Nitrosodiethanolamine
N-Nitrosodiethylamine
N-Nitrosodimethylamine
N-Nitrosodi-n-propylamine
N-Nitrosodi-N-ethylurea
N-Nitrosofolic acid
N-Nitrosomethylethylamine
N-Nitroso-N-methylurea
N-Nitrosomethylvinylamine
N-Nitrosomorpholine
N'-Nitrosonornicotine
N-Nitrosopiperidine
N-Nitrosoproline and N-Nitrosohydroxyproline
N-Nitrosopyrrolidine
N-Nitrososarcosine
Streptozotocin
Last updated: 27 March 1998
N-NITROSODI-n-BUTYLAMINE
VOL.: 17 (1978) (p. 51)
CAS No.: 924-16-3
Chem. Abstr. Name: N-Butyl-N-nitroso-l-butamine
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
N-Nitrosodi-n-butylamine is carcinogenic in all animal species tested: mice, rats, Syrian golden, Chinese and
European hamsters, rabbits and guinea-pigs, after its oral, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal or intravenous
administration. It produces benign and malignant tumours in the urinary bladder, oesophagus, liver, respiratory
tract, stomach and intestine, and also leukaemia; it is particularly effective as a bladder carcinogen. It is
carcinogenic following its administration prenatally and in single doses.
The two metabolites, N-nitroso-n-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)amine and N-nitroso-n-butyl-N-
(3-carboxypropyl)amine are also carcinogenic, the first in mice, rats, hamsters and dogs and the second in
rats. When given orally to mice, N-nitroso-n-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)amine produces carcinomas of the urinary
bladder; when given orally or intravesicularly to rats, it produces papillomas and carcinomas of the urinary
bladder; when given subcutaneously to hamsters, it produces tumours of the urinary bladder and respiratory
tract and cholangiocellular tumours; and when given subcutaneously to dogs, it produces urinary bladder
tumours. N-nitroso-n-butyl-N-(3-carboxy-
propyl)amine produces tumours of the urinary bladder in rats after its oral administration or intravesicular
instillation.
5.2 Human data
No case reports or epidemiological studies were available to the Working Croup. Available information on
occurrence suggests that the general population may be exposed sporadically to low levels of N-nitrosodi-n-
butylamine; however, no exposed group suitable for an epidemiological investigation has yet been identified.
5.3 Evaluation
There is sufficient evidence of a carcinogenic effect of N-nitrosodi- n-butylamine in several experimental
animal species. Although no epidemiological data were available, N-nitrosodi-n-butylamine should be regarded
for practical purposes as if it were carcinogenic to humans.
Previous evaluation: Vol. 4 (1974)
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 67: Group 2B)
For definition of terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Synonyms
l DBNA
l DBN
l N,N-Di-n-butylnitrosamine
l Di-n-butylnitrosamine
l NDBA
Last updated: 25 March 1998
N-NITROSODIETHANOLAMINE
VOL.: 17 (1978) (p. 77)
CAS No.: 1116-54-7
Chem. Abstr. Name: 2,2'-(Nitrosoimino)bis-ethanol
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
N-Nitrosodiethanolamine is carcinogenic in rats after its oral administration and in hamsters after its
subcutaneous injection. It produces hepatocellular carcinomas and renal adenomas in rats, and
adenocarcinomas of the nasal cavity, papillary tumours of the trachea, hepatocellular adenomas and local
fibrosarcomas in hamsters.
5.2 Human data
No case reports or epidemiological studies were available to the Working Group. N-Nitrosodiethanolamine has
been found in variable concentrations in tobacco, one pesticide formation, some cosmetic preparations and, in
much higher concentrations (0.02-3%), in cutting fluids. These reports should permit the identification of
exposed groups.
5.3 Evaluation
There is sufficient evidence of a carcinogenic effect of N-nitrosodiethanolamine in two experimental animal
species. In view of the widespread exposure to appreciable concentrations of N-nitrosodiethanolamine, efforts
should be made to obtain epidemiological information. Although no epidemiological data were available, N-
nitrosodiethanolamine should be regarded for practical purposes as if it were carcinogenic to humans.
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 67: Group 2B); Vol. 77 (2000)
For definition of terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Synonyms
l Diethanolnitrosamine
l NDELA
l N-Nitroso-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine
l Nitrosoimino diethanol
Last updated: 25 March 1998
N-NITROSODIETHYLAMINE
VOL.: 17 (1978) (p. 83)
CAS No.: 55-18-5
Chem. Abstr. Name: N-Ethyl-N-nitroso-ethanamine
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
N-Nitrosodiethylamine is carcinogenic in all animal species tested: mice, rats, Syrian golden, Chinese and
European hamsters, guinea-pigs, rabbits, dogs, gerbils, pigs, monkeys, hedgehogs, various fish, frogs and
birds. It induces benign and malignant tumours after its administration by various routes including ingestion,
parenteral injection, inhalation and rectal instillation. The major target organs are the liver, respiratory and
upper digestive tracts and kidney. It is carcinogenic following its administration prenatally and in single doses.
In several studies, dose-response relationships were established.
N-Nitroso-N-ethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, a metabolite of N-nitrosodiethylamine, produced mainly liver
tumours after its oral administration to rats.
5.2 Human data
No case reports or epidemiological studies were available to the Working Group. Available information on
occurrence suggests that the general population may be exposed to low levels of N-nitrosodiethylamine;
however, no exposed group suitable for an epidemiological investigation has yet been identified.
5.3 Evaluation
There is sufficient evidence of a carcinogenic effect of N-nitrosodiethylamine in many experimental animal
species. Although no epidemiological data were available, N-nitrosodiethylamine should be regarded for
practical purposes as if it were carcinogenic to humans.
Previous evaluation: Vol 1 (1972)
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (p. 67: Group 2A)
For definition of terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Synonyms
l DEN
l DENA
l N,N-Diethylnitrosamine
l Diethylnitrosamine
l Nitrosodiethylamine
l NDEA
Last updated: 27 March 1998
N-NITROSODIMETHYLAMINE
VOL.: 17 (1978) (p. 125)
CAS No.: 62-75-9
Chem. Abstr. Name: N-Methyl-N-nitrosomethanamine
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
N-Nitrosodimethylamine is carcinogenic in all animal species tested: mice, rats, Syrian golden, Chinese and
European hamsters, guinea-pigs, rabbits, ducks, mastomys, various fish, newts and frogs. It induces benign
and malignant tumours following its administration by various routes, including ingestion and inhalation, in
various organs in various species. It produces tumours, mainly of the liver, kidney and respiratory tract. It is
carcinogenic following its administration prenatally and in single doses. In several studies, dose-response
relationships were established.
5.2 Human data
No case reports or epidemiological studies were available to the Working Group. Available information on
occurrence suggests that the general population may be exposed to low levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine;
however, no exposed group suitable for an epidemiological investigation has yet been identified. Reports of
relatively high levels in certain pesticide formulations and of occupational exposures that may have occurred in
the manufacture and use of rocket fuels may permit the identification of exposed groups.
5.3 Evaluation
There is sufficient evidence of a carcinogenic effect of N-nitrosodimethylamine in many experimental animal
species. Similarities in its metabolism by human and rodent tissues have been demonstrated. Although no
epidemiological data were available (and efforts should be directed toward this end), N-nitrosodimethylamine
should be regarded for practical purposes as if it were carcinogenic to humans.
Previous evaluation: Vol 1 (1972)
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 67: Group 2A)
For definition of terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Synonyms
l N,N-Dimethylnitrosamine
l Dimethylnitrosamine
l DMN
l DMNA
l NDMA
Last updated: 27 March 1998
N-NITROSODI-n-PROPYLAMINE
VOL.: 17 (1978) (p. 177)
CAS No.: 621-64-7
Chem. Abstr. Name: N-nitroso-N-propyl-1-propanamine
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
N-Nitrosodi-n-propylamine is carcinogenic in rats after its oral administration and in rats and hamsters after its
subcutaneous injection. It produces benign and malignant tumours of the liver, kidney, oesophagus and
respiratory tract. The metabolite N-nitroso-N-(2-hydroxy-n-propyl)-n-propylamine is also carcinogenic in rats
and hamsters: it produces benign and malignant tumours of the respiratory tract and liver after its
subcutaneous injection.
5.2 Human data
No case reports or epidemiological studies were available to the Working Group. Available information on
occurrence suggests that the general population may be exposed sporadically to low levels of N-nitrosodi-n-
propylamine; however, no exposed group suitable for an epidemiological investigation has yet been identified.
The report of relatively high levels in one pesticide formulation may permit the identification of exposed groups.
5.3 Evaluation
There is sufficient evidence of a carcinogenic effect of N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine in two experimental animal
species. Although no epidemiological data were available (and efforts should be directed toward this end), N-
nitrosodi-n-propylamine should be regarded for practical purposes as if it were carcinogenic to humans.
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 68: Group 2B)
For definition of terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Synonyms
l N,N-Di-n-propylnitrosamine
l Di-n-propylnitrosamine
l DPNA
l NDPA
l N-Nitrosodipropylamine
Last updated: 27 March 1998
N-NITROSO-N-ETHYLUREA
VOL.: 17 (1978) (p. 191)
CAS No.: 759-73-9
Chem. Abstr. Name: N-Ethyl-N-nitrosourea
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea is carcinogenic in all animal species tested: mice, rats, Syrian golden hamsters, rabbits,
opossums, pigs and monkeys. It produces benign and malignant tumours following its administration by
different routes including single oral doses; the main target organ appears to vary with the route of
administration. Prenatal exposure to the substance has been shown to be particularly effective in producing
tumours of the nervous system. In several studies, dose-response relationships were established.
5.2 Human data
No case reports or epidemiological studies were available to the Working Group. No information on the
occurrence or use of N-nitroso-N-ethylurea was available.
5.3 Evaluation
There is sufficient evidence of a carcinogenic effect of N-nitroso-N-ethylurea in several experimental animal
species. Although no epidemiological data or information on occurrence were available, N-nitroso-N-ethylurea
should be regarded for practical purposes as if it were carcinogenic to humans.
Previous evaluation: Vol 1 (1972)
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 63: Group 2A)
For definition of terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Synonyms
l ANH
l ENU
l 1-Ethyl-1-nitrosourea
l NCS 45403
l NEU
l Nitrosoethylurea
Last updated: 27 March 1998
N-NITROSOFOLIC ACID
VOL.: 17 (1978) (p. 217)
CAS No.: 29291-35-8
Chem. Abstr. Name: N-{4-[(2-Amino-3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-6-pteridinyl)methyl]amino}-
benzoyl-N-nitroso-L-glutanmic acid
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
N-Nitrosofolic acid has been tested only in newborn mice by intraperitoneal injection, with inconclusive results.
5.2 Human data
No case reports or epidemiological studies were available to the Working Group. No data on the occurrence or
use of this material were available which would permit the identification of exposed groups.
5.3 Evaluation
No evaluation of the carcinogenicity of N-nitrosofolic acid could be made on the basis of the available data.
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 68: Group 3)
For definition of terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Synonym
l N-Nitroso-N-pteroyl-L-glutamic acid
Last updated: 27 March 1998
N-NITROSOMETHYLETHYLAMINE
VOL.: 17 (1978) (p. 221)
CAS No.: 10595-95-6
Chem. Abstr. Name: N-Methyl-N-nitroso-ethamine
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
N-Nitrosomethylethylamine is carcinogenic in rats after its oral administration, the only species and route
tested: it produces hepatocellular carcinomas.
5.2 Human data
No case reports or epidemiological studies were available to the Working Group. Available information on
occurrence suggests that the general population may be exposed sporadically to low levels of N-
nitrosomethylethylamine; however, no exposed group suitable for an epidemiological investigation has yet
been identified. Reports suggest that tobacco smokers way be exposed to N-nitrosomthylethylamine together
with other N-nitroso compounds.
5.3 Evaluation
There is sufficient evidence of a carcinogenic effect of N-nitrosomethylethylamine in one experimental animal
species. No epidemiological data were available.
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 68: Group 2B)
For definition of terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Synonyms
l N,N-Methylethylnitrosamine
l NEMA
l NMEA
Last updated: 27 March 1998
N-NITROSO-N-METHYLUREA
VOL.: 17 (1978) (p. 227)
CAS No.: 684-93-5
Chem. Abstr. Name: N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
N-Nitroso-N-methylurea is carcinogenic in all animal species tested: mice, rats, Syrian golden, Chinese and
European hamsters, guinea-pigs, rabbits, gerbils, pigs, dogs and monkeys. It induces benign and malignant
tumours following its administration by different routes, including ingestion. It produces tumours at different
sites, including the nervous tissue, stomach, oesophagus, pancreas, respiratory tract, intestine,
lymphoreticular tissues, skin and kidney. It is carcinogenic following its administration prenatally and in single
doses.
5.2 Human data
No case reports or epidemiological studies were available to the Working Group. Except for reported
investigation of its use as a chemotherapeutic agent, no information on the occurrence or use of N-nitroso-N-
methylurea was available.
5.3 Evaluation
There is sufficient evidence of a carcinogenic effect of N-nitroso-N-methylurea in several experimental animal
species. Although no epidemiological data were available, N-nitroso-N-methylurea should be regarded for
practical purposes as if it were carcinogenic to humans.
Previous evaluation: Vol 1 (1972)
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 66: Group 2A)
For definition of terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Synonyms
l Methyl nitrosourea
l 1-Methyl-1-nitrosourea
l MNU
l N-Nitroso-N-methylcarbamide
l Nitrosomethylurea
l NMH
l NMU
l NSC 23909
Last updated: 27 March 1998
N-NITROSOMETHYLVINYLAMINE
VOL.: 17 (1978) (p. 257)
CAS No.: 4549-40-0
Chem. Abstr. Name: Name: N-Methyl-N-nitroso-ethenylamine
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
N-Nitrosomethylvinylamine is carcinogenic in rats, the only species tested. It produces carcinomas of the
oesophagus, tongue and pharynx after its continuous oral administration and carcinomas of the nasal cavities
after inhalation exposure.
5.2 Human data
No case reports or epidemiological studies were available to the Working Group. Insufficient information on the
occurrence or use of this compound was available to permit identification of exposed groups.
5.3 Evaluation
There is sufficient evidence of a carcinogenic effect of N-nitrosomethylvinylamine in one experimental animal
species. Although no epidemiological data were available, N-nitrosomethylvinylamine should be regarded for
practical purposes as if it were carcinogenic to humans.
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 68: Group 2B)
For definition of terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Synonyms
l N-Methyl-N-nitrosovinylamine
l Methylvinylnitrosamine
l NMVA
Last updated: 27 March 1998
N-NITROSOMORPHOLINE
VOL.: 17 (1978) (p. 263)
CAS No.: 59-89-2
Chem. Abstr. Name: 4-Nitrosomorpholine
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
N-Nitrosomorpholine is carcinogenic in mice, rats, Syrian golden, Chinese and European hamsters and
various fish. Following its oral administration, it produces benign and malignant tumours of the liver and lung in
mice, of the liver, kidney and blood vessels in rats and of the liver in hamsters. After its subcutaneous injection
it produces tumours of the upper digestive and respiratory tracts in hamsters; it is carcinogenic after its
administration in single doses. It produces liver tumours in rats following its intravenous injection. It produces
liver tumours in various fish following its administration in tank-water. A study in hamsters has been reported in
which a dose-response relationship was established.
5.2 Human data
No case reports or epidemiological studies were available to the Working Group. Insufficient information on the
occurrence of N-nitrosomorpholine was available to permit identification of exposed groups.
5.3 Evaluation
There is sufficient evidence for a carcinogenic effect of N-nitrosomorpholine in several experimental animal
species. Although no epidemiological data were available, N-nitrosomorpholine should be regarded for
practical purposes as if it were carcinogenic to humans.
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 68: Group 2B)
For definition of terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Synonym
l NMOR
Last updated: 27 March 1998
N'-NITROSONORNICOTINE
VOL.: 17 (1978) (p. 281)
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
N'-Nitrosonornicotine is carcinogenic in rats, mice and Syrian golden hamsters. Following its oral
administration to rats, it produces carcinomas of the upper digestive tract, mainly the oesophagus, and of the
nasal cavities. In hamsters, its subcutaneous injection produces mainly tracheal tumours. In mice, its
intraperitoneal injection produces lung tumours.
5.2 Human data
No case reports or epidemiological studies were available to the Working Group. Available information on
occurrence suggests that tobacco users are exposed to N'-nitrosonornicotine together with other N-nitroso
compounds.
5.3 Evaluation
There is sufficient evidence of a carcinogenic effect of N'-nitrosonornicotine in several experimental animal
species. Although no epidemiological data were available, N'-nitrosonornicotine should be regarded for
practical purposes as if it were carcinogenic to humans.
Subsequent evaluations: Vol. 37 (1985); Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 68: Group 2B)
For definition of terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Last updated: 27 March 1998
N-NITROSOPIPERIDINE
VOL.: 17 (1978) (p. 287)
CAS No.: 100-75-4
Chem. Abstr. Name: 1-Nitroso-piperidine
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
N-Nitrosopiperidine is carcinogenic in mice, rats, Syrian golden, European and Chinese hamsters and
monkeys after its administration by oral and other routes. It produces benign and malignant tumours of the
liver, lung, forestomach and oesophagus in mice, of the liver, oesophagus and respiratory system in rats, and
of the upper digestive tract, respiratory system and li