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NitrosamineNitrosamines are chemical compounds of the chemical structure R1N(-R2)-N=O, some of which are carcinogenic. Additional recommended knowledge
Occurrence in foodNitrosamines are produced from nitrites and secondary amines, which often occur in the form of proteins. Their formation can occur only under certain conditions, including strongly acidic conditions such as that of the human stomach. High temperatures, as in frying, can also enhance the formation of nitrosamines. The nitrite forms nitrous acid (HNO2), which splits into the nitrosonium cation N=O+ and the hydroxide anion OH−. The nitrosonium cation then reacts with an amine to produce nitrosamine. Nitrosamines are found in many foodstuffs, especially beer, fish, and fish byproducts, and also in meat and cheese products preserved with nitrite pickling salt. The U.S. government established limits on the amount of nitrites used in meat products in order to decrease cancer risk in the population. There are also rules about adding ascorbic acid or related compounds to meat, because they inhibit nitrosamine formation. Occurrence in other consumer productsNitrosamines can be found in tobacco smoke and latex products. A test of party balloons and condoms indicated that many of them release small amounts of nitrosamines.[1] However, nitrosamines from condoms are not expected to be of toxicological significance.[1] CancerNitrosamines can cause cancers in a wide variety of animal species, a feature that suggests that they may also be carcinogenic in humans. Epidemiological data suggest that nitrosamines in preserved food cause stomach cancer.[2] Uses[citation needed]
Examples of nitrosaminesTobacco-specific nitrosamines
Other nitrosaminesReferences
See also
Categories: Nitrogen metabolism | Functional groups |
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This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Nitrosamine". A list of authors is available in Wikipedia. |