Determination of the total level of nitrosamines in select consumer products in Lagos area of Nigeria

Journal Article · Fri Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1991 · Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01701138· OSTI ID:7050039

Coker, H A.B.; Thomas, A E; Akintonwa, A ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Lagos (Nigeria)

For some time there has been a considerable interest and growing concern in the extent of contamination of food items by N-nitrosamines because of the known carcinogenicity and mutagenicity of these compounds. Nitrosamines can be derived from the interaction of organic secondary and tertiary amines with nitrite, nitrate under reducing conditions, low pH values or nitrous gases. In Nigeria, the present harsh economic conditions have somewhat influenced the emergence of different kinds of socioeconomic attitude in Nigerians. There is now high incidence of adulteration of many consumer products. Faking of assorted consumables and pharmaceuticals, notably drugs, is a common feature, all in attempt to cut corners. It is a common practice amongst the local people to use certain chemicals as preservatives, colorants and flavorants without taking cognizance of the long-term health and toxicological hazards posed to the citizenry by these foreign agents. Recent work in the authors' laboratory had shown the presence of N-nitrosamines in some consumer products and it was therefore thought that a more thorough investigation and survey of as many foods and drinks as possible in the Lagos metropolis for contamination by nitrosamines might present a more revealing picture.

• OSTI ID: 7050039
• Journal Information: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology; (United States), Vol. 47:5; ISSN 0007-4861
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
FOOD
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
NITROSAMINES
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY
BEVERAGES
DRINKING WATER
FISH PRODUCTS
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
MEAT
NIGERIA
QUANTITY RATIO
AFRICA
AMINES
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROSO COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SPECTROSCOPY
WASTES
WATER
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology