Monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA) are used as emulsifiers, pH adjusters and fragrance in a wide variety of consumer products. When ethanolamines are used in the same product as certain preservatives that break down into nitrogen, they can form nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are a class of more than a dozen different chemicals, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer lists individually as possible and known carcinogens.
Sources of Exposure: Personal care products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, home cleaning products
Health Impacts: MEA, DEA, and TEA have been found to be carcinogenic, reduce sperm quality, and damage fetal brain development.