Measurement of nitrosamines in air
What are Nitrosamines?
Nitrosamines are formed by a nitrosation reaction between nitrites or nitrates and amines or amides.
Some nitrosamines are classified as carcinogenic to humans: certain carcinogens (Group 1) and probable carcinogens (Group 2A). Because they are so dangerous, it is essential to be able to measure and quantify them.
Where do airborne nitrosamines come from?
Atmospheric emissions & Ambient air
- Industrial emissions: Industrial processes, especially those involving high temperatures and chemical reactions, can promote the formation of nitrosamines. For example, industries using nitrites as preservatives or in manufacturing processes can generate nitrosamines.
- Exhaust gases : Vehicle internal combustion engines produce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and hydrocarbons. These compounds can react together to form nitrosamines, especially under conditions of high temperature and pressure.
- Tobacco smoke: Tobacco naturally contains amines and nitrates. During combustion, these substances react to form nitrosamines, which are then inhaled by smokers and people exposed to second-hand smoke.
Workplace air / Occupational exposure
- Rubber industry: Nitrosamines can be formed during the manufacture of rubber products such as drive belts and tires.
- Pharmaceutical industry: some active ingredients and drugs may contain nitrosamines as impurities.
- Food industry: Nitrosamines can be formed in processed foods, such as cured meats, smoked fish and certain beverages like beer.
- Plastics industry: Plastic components used in the manufacture of consumer goods can also release nitrosamine precursors.
LC-MS/MS analysis of nitrosamines after sampling on Thermosorb/N support for nitrosamines
Extraction of sampled Thermosorb/N to obtain a filtrate
LC-MS/MS analysis of nitrosamines in filtrate
List of nitrosamines available for analysis in our laboratory
- N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) under CAS number: 62-75-9
- N-Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) under CAS number: 55-18-5
- N-Nitrosodipropylamine (NDPA) under CAS number: 621-64-7
- N-Nitrosodiisopropylamine (NDIPA) under CAS number: 601-77-4
- N-Nitrosodibutylamine (NDBA) under CAS number: 924-16-3
- N-Nitrosomorpholine (NMOR) under CAS number: 59-89-2
- N-Nitrosopiperidine (NPIP) under CAS number: 100-75-4
- N-Nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) under CAS number: 930-55-2
- N-Nitrosomethylethylamine (NMEA) under CAS number: 10595-95-6
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