N-nitrosamines and nitrosatable compounds in rubber nipples, pacifiers and other rubber and plastic commodities.

In 1983 and 1985, rubber teats and pacifiers from the Dutch market were analysed for N-nitrosamines (NA) and nitrosatable compounds (NC) by extraction with an artificial saliva test solution (24 h, 40 degrees C). NC were determined as NA (gas chromatography-thermal energy analysis) after nitrosation. In 1983, the total content of NA and NC varied from 4-40 micrograms/kg and 50-3700 micrograms/kg, respectively (18 samples). In 1985, NA and NC varied from 3-94 micrograms/kg and 26-5100 micrograms/kg, respectively (20 samples). According to Dutch legislation, teats may contain no more than 1 microgram/kg and 20 microgram/kg NA and NC. Of other rubber and plastic commodities analysed, balloons contained levels of up to 120 micrograms/kg and 2800 micrograms/kg NA and NC.