Is NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) safe for babies and kids?
Very high risk for kidsInfants accumulate NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) through breast milk (bioconcentration), placental transfer, and dust ingestion. Persistent pollutants concentrate in fatty tissues with extended half-lives in developing organisms.
What is ndma (n-nitrosodimethylamine)?
The IUPAC name is N,N-dimethylnitrous amide.
Also known as: N,N-dimethylnitrous amide, N-NITROSODIMETHYLAMINE, Dimethylnitrosamine, NDMA.
- IUPAC name
- N,N-dimethylnitrous amide
- CAS number
- 62-75-9
- Molecular formula
- C2H6N2O
- Molecular weight
- 74.08 g/mol
- SMILES
- CN(C)N=O
- PubChem CID
- 6124
Risk for babies
Very high riskInfants accumulate NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) through breast milk (bioconcentration), placental transfer, and dust ingestion. Persistent pollutants concentrate in fatty tissues with extended half-lives in developing organisms.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
High riskNDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) persists in maternal adipose tissue and is mobilized during pregnancy and lactation. Lipophilic pollutants concentrate in breast milk and cross the placenta during critical developmental windows.
Suspected reproductive toxicant (GHS H361) or suspected endocrine disruptor. Precautionary approach warranted. Animal studies or limited human data suggest developmental toxicity potential.
Regulatory consensus
11 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine). The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IARC | 1978 | Group 2A (probably carcinogenic to humans) | Colorectal, gastric cancer; Monograph 17; found in contaminated pharmaceuticals (ranitidine recall 2019) |
| US EPA | 1993 | Likely to be carcinogenic to humans | IRIS; hepatocellular carcinoma in animals; drinking water contaminant of emerging concern |
| EPA CTX / NIOSH | — | potential occupational carcinogen | |
| EPA CTX / IRIS | — | B2 (Probable human carcinogen - based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals) | |
| EPA CTX / NTP RoC | — | Reasonably Anticipated to be a Human Carcinogen | |
| EPA CTX / IARC | — | Group 2A - Probably carcinogenic to humans | |
| EPA CTX / CalEPA | — | Known human carcinogen | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: positive (Ames: positive, 37 positive / 3 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: positive (Ames: positive, 37 positive / 3 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Eye Irritation: Category 2 (score: high) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Skin Irritation: Category 2 (score: high) |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter ndma (n-nitrosodimethylamine)
- Industrial Facilities — Manufacturing plants, Chemical storage areas, Waste treatment sites
- Occupational Environments — Factories, Warehouses, Transportation vehicles
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine):
-
UV treatment of drinking water (UV/H₂O₂ AOP)
Trade-offs: High energy consumption. Generates assimilable organic carbon. Not effective for all nitrosamines.Relative cost: 2-4× conventional chloramination
-
Reformulated drugs (nitrosamine-free synthesis)
Trade-offs: Higher manufacturing cost. Different synthesis routes may affect impurity profiles.Relative cost: 1.5-3×
Frequently asked questions
Is ndma (n-nitrosodimethylamine) safe for kids?
Infants accumulate NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) through breast milk (bioconcentration), placental transfer, and dust ingestion. Persistent pollutants concentrate in fatty tissues with extended half-lives in developing organisms.
What products contain ndma (n-nitrosodimethylamine)?
NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) appears in: Manufacturing plants (Industrial facilities); Chemical storage areas (Industrial facilities); Factories (Occupational environments); Warehouses (Occupational environments).
What should I do if my child is exposed to ndma (n-nitrosodimethylamine)?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
Why do regulators disagree about ndma (n-nitrosodimethylamine)?
NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) has been classified by 11 agencies including IARC, US EPA, EPA CTX / NIOSH, EPA CTX / IRIS, EPA CTX / NTP RoC, with differing conclusions. Regulators apply different standards of evidence (animal data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds), which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. See the regulatory consensus table on this page for the full picture.
See NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) in the baby app
Look up products containing ndma (n-nitrosodimethylamine), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (2)
- IARC Monographs Volume 17: N-Nitroso Compounds (1978) — regulatory
- US EPA IRIS Assessment: N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) (1993) — regulatory
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →