| Compound Description | N-nitroso-n-methylurea appears as pale yellow crystals or light yellow moist powder. N-methyl-N-nitrosourea is a member of the class of N-nitrosoureas that is urea in which one of the nitrogens is substituted by methyl and nitroso groups. It has a role as a carcinogenic agent, a mutagen, a teratogenic agent and an alkylating agent.N-Nitroso-n-methylurea has been studied in mutagenicity and genetics studies and for use as a cancer chemotherapy agent. No commercial use of N-nitroso-n-methylurea is known. Acute exposure toN-nitroso-n-methylurea in humans causes dermatitis. No information is available on the chronic , reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of N-nitroso-n-methylurea in humans or animals. Tumors have been reported in the offspring of animals treated with N-nitroso-n- methylurea during their pregnancy. Animal studies have reported tumors of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, stomach, pancreas, and kidneys from oral exposure to N-nitroso-n-methylurea. EPA has classified N- nitroso-n-methylurea as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.Methylnitrosourea is a pale yellow, crystalline nitrosourea that is sensitive to light and moisture and emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides when heated to decomposition. Methylnitrosourea is an alkylating agent that is primarily used for research purposes to induce tumors and has also been studied as a chemotherapy agent for cancer treatment. Exposure to methylnitrosourea causes dermatitis. Methylnitrosourea is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. A nitrosourea compound with alkylating, carcinogenic, and mutagenic properties. |
