Nitrosamines/ethers/alcohols

Nitrosamines are a group of organic chemicals formed by the interaction of nitrites with amines or amides inside the body; they have been found to cause cancer in animals. Ethers contain hydrocarbon groups connected by an oxygen atom. They are volatile and highly flammable organic compounds, and ; some have been used as anesthetics. Alcohols are organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl (OH) group, such as in isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol (in alcoholic beverages).

Page last reviewed: August 14, 2008