How to evaluate Diethanolamine?

Diethanolamine, often abbreviated as DEA or DEOA, is an organic compound with the formula HN(CH2CH2OH)2. Pure diethanolamine is a white solid at room temperature, but its tendency to absorb water and to supercool mean it is often encountered as a colorless, viscous liquid. It is polyfunctional, being a secondary amine and a diol. Like other organic amines, diethanolamine acts as a weak base. Reflecting the hydrophilic character of the alcohol groups, DEA is soluble in water.  

Diethanolamine is a colorless powder or liquid with a slight ammonia-like odor. The odor threshold is 0.27 parts per million (ppm). The chemical formula is C4H11NO2, and the molecular weight is 105.1 g/mol. The vapor pressure is 0.577 mm Hg at 25 degree C, and it has a log octanol/water partition coefficient (log Kow) of -1.46. The CAS NO is 111-42-2.

Diethanolamine is used in cutting oils, soaps, shampoos, cleaners, polishers, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It is also used as an intermediate in the rubber chemicals industry, as a humectant and softening agent, and as an emulsifier and dispersing agent in various agricultural chemicals. Some of the most commonly used diethanolamides include: Cocamide DEA, DEA-Cetyl Phosphate, DEA Oleth-3 Phosphate, Lauramide DEA, Myristamide DEA, Oleamide DEA.

Diethanolamine is used in a number of consumer products, such as shampoos, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Limited information is available on the health effects of this drug. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to this drug in humans may result in irritation of the nose and throat, and dermal exposure may irritate the skin.  

No information is available on the chronic (long-term), reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of diethanolamine in humans. Animal studies have reported effects on the liver, kidney, blood, and central nervous system (CNS) from chronic oral exposure to diethanolamine. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) reported an increased incidence of liver and kidney tumors in mice from dermal exposure to this medicine. EPA has not classified diethanolamine for carcinogenicity.

Diethanolamine is a potential skin irritant in workers sensitized by exposure to water-based metalworking fluids. One study showed that DEA inhibits in baby mice the absorption of choline, which is necessary for brain development and maintenance; however, a study in humans determined that dermal treatment for 1 month with a commercially available skin lotion containing DEA resulted in DEA levels that were "far below those concentrations associated with perturbed brain development in the mouse". 

In a mouse study of chronic exposure to inhaled Diethanolamine at high concentrations (above 150 mg/m3), it was found to induce body and organ weight changes, clinical and histopathological changes, indicative of mild blood, liver, kidney and testicular systemic toxicity. A 2009 study found that Diethanolamine has potential acute, chronic and subchronic toxicity properties for aquatic species.

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