title: Potential occupational exposure associated with parenteral administration of N-nitrosodiethylamine to Macaca mulatta: evidence of post-injection release to the atmosphere.
abstract: In order to assess the exposure of workers administering N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) parenterally to Macaca mulatta, air samples were drawn through Thermosorb/N cartridges. Samples were analysed by gas chromatography-thermal energy analysis; the limit of detection was 0.02 micrograms/m3. Significant amounts of NDEA were found in those samples taken in the animal holding room. The NDEA recovered may be accounted for by its expiration by the animals (the contribution from excreta and leakage from the injection site is probably minor). On the basis of the total amount of NDEA administered (840 mg during the first experiment and 250 mg in the second) and the rate at which the animal holding room was ventilated, and assuming that the samples were representative, we estimate that 0.9% of the NDEA administered was released to the atmosphere in 5 h in the first experiment and that 2.7% and 0.8% were released in the first and second 24-h periods, respectively, in the second experiment. It should be noted that this potential source of exposure may be significant not only for workers but also for control or other experimental animals housed in the same room.
authors.affiliation: Environmental Control and Research Program, NCI-Frederick Cancer Research Facility, MD.
authors.forename: E B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Sansone
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Keimig
mesh_terms: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D004052:Diethylnitrosamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D004052:Diethylnitrosamine