Nitrosamines: Toxicology and Microbiology.

Nitrosamines: Toxicology and Microbiology

Nitrosamines by now seem to be regarded by cosmetic chemists as "elusive little devils" whose sole function it is to punish formulators for indiscretions they weren't even aware they were committing. They are so toxic, points out Mr. Hill in his introduction, that one review suggested that "by choosing suitably the N-nitrosamine and the test animal used, cancer could be induced at almost any site in the body. The target organ was independent of the route of introduction, whether intravenous, intraperitoneal, in food, or any other route." They are formed, often with no foreknowledge of the chemists doing the formulating, by the action of nitrous acid on a suitable nitrogen compound," but often by the action of emulsifiers and preservatives in cosmetics and other consumer …