Name Triethanolamine Description TEA is created by reacting ammonia with ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen). Triethanolamine is a detergent and emulsifying agent. Benefits Cleans and emulsifies Considerations • Contamination Concerns Amines such as TEA can degrade and break down in to nitrosamines under certain conditions. Alone, TEA has not been shown to form nitrosamines when it breaks down. However, in the presence of N-nitrostating agents like sodium nitrate, bronopol, and brondiox, it has the potential to form nitrosamines. The FDA recommends keeping TEA and nitrosating agents apart so that no nitrosamines are formed. • Allergic Reactions
Some people are also sensitive to TEA, and it can cause skin redness and burning. It can also cause respiratory responses in airpborne products (like hairspray).
• DEA Contamination Most TEA on the market is a blend of about 85% TEA and 15% DEA, Diethanolamine. Diethanolamine, a related chemical, has been linked to certain types of cancers. Synonyms TEA
TEOA
Trolamine
2,2',2''-Nitrilotriethanol
Tris(2-hydroxyethyl)amine
Nitrilotriethanol
Triethylolamine
Trihydroxytriethylamine
Ethanol, 2,2',2''-nitrilotris-
Tris(beta-hydroxyethyl)amine
Nitrilotris(ethanol)
2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethanol
Tri(hydroxyethyl)amine
Trihydroxyethylamine
Triethylamine, 2,2',2''-trihydroxy-
Tris(2-Hydroxyethyl) Amine
Ethanol, 2,2',2''-nitrilotris-
2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethan-1-ol
tris-(2-hydroxyethyl)-amine
Tris(.beta.-hydroxyethyl)amine
2,2',2'-Nitrilotris-Ethanol
2,2'2''-Nitrilotris-Ethanol
Triethylamine,2',2''-trihydroxy-
Triethanolamine
2,2',2''-Trihydroxy-Triethylamine
Nitrilo-2,2''-triethanol Research Sources https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK390891/#:~:text=Triethanolamine%20is%20a%20viscous%20liquid,as%20herbicide%20and%20algicide%20formulations.
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Triethanolamine Summary Ethoxylated chemical, skin irritation, nitrosamine contamination, diethanolamine contamination.
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