N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is the simplest dialkylnitrosamine, with a molecular formula of C2H6N2O and a relative molecular mass of 74.08. It is no longer used industrially or commercially in Canada or the USA but continues to be released as a by-product and contaminant from various industries and from municipal wastewater treatment plants. In this volume are assessed the risks to human health and the environment of this chemical. Based upon laboratory studies in which tumours have been induced in all species examined at relatively low doses, NDMA is clearly carcinogenic. It is concluded that NDMA is a genotoxic carcinogen, and exposure should be reduced to the extent possible.
"N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is the simplest dialkylnitrosamine, with a molecular formula of C2H6N2O. There are no industrial or commercial uses of NDMA in Canada. NDMA is released to the Canadian environment as a by-product and contaminant from various industries and from municipal wastewater treatment plants"--Synopsis.
N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a nitrogen-containing organic compound that has known carcinogenic properties. NDMA has been a health concern for some industries for a number of years as it is used in rubber formulations, as a fire retardant, antioxidant, additive for lubricants and softener of copolymers; it is also a degradation product of dimethylhydrazine, an additive to rocket fuel. Most people are exposed to NDMA via a number of diverse routes including cigarette smoke (actively or passively) and processed foods, for example smoked meat products. However, it has only come to the attention of the international water industry since it was recognised as a disinfection by-product (DBP) of chloramination or chlorination in the presence of ammonia. The aim of this guidance manual is to answer commonly asked questions about this emerging issue, such as: How do they come to be in drinking water and recycled water and what • concentrations are “normal”? What regulatory/guidance levels have been imposed in Australia and elsewhere? How are they formed? What are the risk factors for the occurrence of nitrosamines in my system? What can we do to control them? What are the implications for the drinking and recycled water industry, and in particular for public health? This Guidance Manual has a companion document, Generic Management Plan for Nitrosamines in Drinking Water which provides provide background information on the group of organic contaminants, nitrosamines. This book is co-published with Water Research Australia.
