Referred to as NDMA, N-Nitrosodimethylamine is basically a yellow liquid that has no distinct odour. It is produced in the US and used only as a research chemical. This compound was used in rocket fuel, but it was discontinued after it was found to be present at high levels in soil, water and air samples taken near the rocket fuel manufacturing plant.
NDMA can be formed unintentionally during different manufacturing processes and in the air, water and soil from reactions involving chemicals called alkylamines. These compounds are both man-made as well as natural and are found in the environment. NDMA does not persist in the environment.
After NDMA has been released into the atmosphere, sunlight will break it down within a matter of minutes. If NDMA has been released on the surface of the soil, it may evaporate into the air, sink deeper in the soil, or be broken down by sunlight. NDMA breaks down in deep soil within a few months. It can be broken down by natural biological processes if released into water.
The Buzz Regarding N-Nitrosodimethylamine
Recently, N-Nitrosodimethylamine or NDMA caused a buzz in connection to issues regarding cancer from Zantac. According to the FDA they discovered that many ranitidine medications like Zantac contained low levels of NDMA. This substance is classified as a cancer-causing agent based on laboratory tests. NDMA, a probable carcinogen for humans, is a substance which may cause cancer. Does it cause cancer?
Here are a few things that you should know.
Where Can You Find N-Nitrosodimethylamine?
NDMA is a chemical reaction by-product that occurs in different natural processes and manufacturing processes. It occurs most often in the following situations:
- Drinking Water
NDMA can be produced by chlorination or chloramination of water. NDMA contamination in drinking water occurs because of harmful minute concentrations. It is difficult to detect NDMA in drinking water at these concentrations. It does not readily volatilize or adsorb, nor can it biodegrade. Activated carbon cannot remove it. Only reverse osmosis or high UV radiation will reduce NDMA in drinking water.
- Cured meat
NDMA can be found in low levels in many products that are consumed by humans, such as tobacco smoke and cured meat. Sodium nitrite, used to cure meat and avoid botulism, produces nitrous acids that are the pathway for NDMA. NDMA is produced by the combination of dimethylamine with nitrous acids derived from the degradation of proteins in the lower intestine. WHO considers cured meats, processed meats, and other meats to be carcinogenic.
Can NDMA Cause Cancer?
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers like Irbesartan and Losartan have been recalled due to NDMA. But the results of a Study to assess cancer risk in Valsartan-contaminated products were not conclusive.
or the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has not reported any cases of NDMA-induced cancer. However, further investigation revealed an increased cancer risk.
According to a second study NDMA can cause liver cancer, and specific tobacco nitrosamines can cause lung cancer. Volatile N-nitrosamines can cause tumours to develop in various organs of the human body, including the bladder, kidneys and liver.
FDA warns patients who wish to discontinue taking Zantac or other prescription ranitidine, that they should consult with their trusted healthcare professional regarding alternative treatment options. Other drugs are available on the market with similar or identical uses to prescription ranitidine that do not contain NDMA.
If you take such medications, it is a good idea to buy nutritional supplements in order to meet your nutritional requirements.
What Can You Do to Avoid NDMA?
NDMA, which is a carcinogen, is found in many medications, including ranitidine and losartan. It can also be introduced by contaminated solvents and catalysts or produced during manufacturing. The FDA has set a maximum dosage of NDMA for each tablet. The FDA also provided manufacturers with guidelines.
If you are unsure of what treatment is best for you, call your doctor. Call your doctor if you are unsure of the best treatment for you. As more pharmacists suspend sales of Zantac, and other NDMA contaminated items.
