VOLATILE N-NITROSAMINES IN THE URINE OF NORMAL DONORS AND OF BLADDER-CANCER PATIENTS

Abstract

Volatile N-nitrosamines were detected in the urine of male volunteers with GLC and high-pressure liquid chromatography interfaced to the thermal energy analyzer. Of 50 samples from normal males, 10 contained nitrosodimethylamine (0.02-0.10 .mu.g/l), 6 contained nitrosodiethylamine (0.02-3.10), 9 contained nitrosomorpholine (0.06-0.67), and none contained nitrosodibutylamine. Of 4 samples from bladder cancer patients, 2 contained nitrosodibutylamine (0.35 and 0.66). Cigarette smoking did not appear to be related to the pattern or amount of urinary volatile N-nitrosamines. The possibility that the N-nitrosamines arise from the diet or from endogenous production is considered.