Carcinogenic N-Nitroso Compounds

Abstract

N-nitroso compounds are present in environmental media including in food. Although the concentrations found are in notably low range, the carcinogenic action of these compounds in experimental animals have been shown to occur in many different organs. Most of them are positively mutagenic in bacterial test systems. There is still inadequate clinical data at present, but it is highly probable that N-nitroso compounds are carcinogenic in man. Human exposure to these carcinogens and their precursors should be kept as low as practically achievable. The information on their chemistry, formation, occurrence, toxic activity and possible evaluation of health risks to man is reviewed.