Detection of N-nitrosodiethanolamine in human urine following application of a contaminated cosmetic

Abstract A previous report from this laboratory indicated that many cosmetics were contaminated with the carcinogen N -nitrosodiethanolamine (NDElA). We now report that this material can be absorbed across the skin of a human wearing a NDElA contaminated facial cosmetic, as detected by its appearance in the urine. We also report on an improved method for the direct analysis of NDElA in cosmetics and urine using a gas chromatograph interfaced with a TEA TM nitrosamine detector.