Diethanolamine, often abbreviated as DEA, is an organic chemical compound which is

both a secondary amine and a dialcohol. A dialcohol has two hydroxyl groups in its
molecule. Like other amines, diethanolamine acts as a weak base. Diethanolamine is
widely used in the preparation of diethanolamides and diethanolamine salts of long-
chain fatty acids that are formulated into soaps and surfactants used in liquid laundry
and dishwashing detergents, cosmetics, shampoos, and hair
conditioners. Diethanolamine is also used in textile processing, in industrial gas
purification to remove acid gases, as an anticorrosion agent in metalworking fluids, and
in preparations of agricultural chemicals. Aqueous diethanolamine solutions are used as
solvents for numerous drugs that are administered intravenously.
Metabolite Description from Human Metabolome Database
Source: Human Metabolome Database
Record Name: Diethanolamine
URL: http://www.hmdb.ca/metabolites/HMDB04437
Description: The Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) is a freely available electronic database
containing detailed information about small molecule metabolites found in the human body.

Diethanolamine is used in a number of consumer products, such as shampoos,

cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Limited information is available on the health effects
of diethanolamine. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to diethanolamine 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 diethanolamine.
EPA has not classified diethanolamine for carcinogenicity.