Research on environmental N-nitroso compounds in the USSR

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Food Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Volatile N-nitrosamines (NA) are a class of compounds with potential health concerns.
• Previous research has indicated the presence of NA in various environmental and food matrices.
• Understanding the sources and prevalence of NA is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze food samples from the USSR for volatile N-nitrosamines (NA).
• To investigate the presence of NA in environmental samples, including air and industrial emissions.
• To identify precursors and formation pathways of NA in different matrices.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of food and environmental samples for volatile N-nitrosamines (NA).
• Utilized Thermal Energy Analyzer (TEA) for detection and quantification.
• Investigated nitrate content variations in vegetables and potential precursor presence in water and soil.

Main Results:

• NA were detected in food samples, comparable to international data.
• Presence of NA confirmed in city air, diesel exhausts, and rubber factories (NDMA, NMOR).
• Nitrosoproline found in various foodstuffs; nitrate levels in vegetables showed a 12-year increasing trend in Estonia.

Conclusions:

• Kilning of malt with direct combustion gases is a source of NA in beer.
• NA precursors are present in water and soil, indicating potential widespread contamination.
• In vivo formation and inhibition of NA, along with nitrite scavenging by food components, were discussed.