Development of appropriate protocols for evaluating the toxicity and potential carcinogenicity of
amines, in-plant degradation products, and chemical compounds formed via atmospheric reactions:
Although some toxicological endpoints are relatively well-characterized, e.g., carcinogenicity of nitrosamines, other effects are not. For example, cardiovascular effects of many of these materials
have not been studied.
• Risk assessment approach for nitrosamines and nitramines: Nitrosamines are of particular concern
from a health perspective due to their carcinogenicity in animal studies. Nitramines are also of
interest as they have the potential to be carcinogenic. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has
proposed a safe level of nitrosamines and nitramines (combined) in air of 3 ng/m3. This is based on
an estimated 2% conversion rate of emitted amine to nitrosamine in the atmosphere, and a 7%
conversion to nitramine, and is also based on very limited emissions data. There is some concern that
these conversion rates are too high, and also do not take into account the specific chemistry
associated with different amines and their conversion abilities.
An important result of the workshop was a general realization among many attendees that, although
there are critical knowledge gaps that need to be addressed, these gaps are “fillable.” With a coordinated
and concerted approach to addressing these needs with future research, the scientific community should
be able to provide the necessary information such that concerns about amines and their potential health
issues do not have to be “deal-breakers” for the technology.