Survey of baby bottle rubber nipples for volatile N-nitrosamines.

A local market survey of 27 baby bottle rubber nipples for volatile N-nitrosamines was conducted. N-Nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosodiethylamine, N-nitrosodibutylamine, and N-nitrosopiperidine were found at levels up to 387 ppb. All 4 nitrosamines migrated from the rubber nipples into water, milk, and infant formula when sterilized together in a manner typical of that used in the home. The source of the nitrosamines is the chemical accelerators and stabilizers added to raw rubber during the vulcanization process.