DEA, MEA, and TEA

What Are They?

Most common label name:

• organic chemical compounds
• acids and alcohols
• acts as weak bases
• mostly colorless
• flammable
• viscous

• Liver cancers
• Precancerous changes
• Known to induce asthma
• Organ system damage
• Damage to male reproductive system
• Mild to moderate skin and eye irritation

European government prohibits DEA in their products because of its higher amount of cancer-causing nitrates

Products Containing DEA,

MEA and TEA

• conditioners
• damage repair lotion
• treatment spray
• dyes
• shampoos

• eyeliner and eye shadows
• mascara
• blush and make up bases
• nail polish
• fragrances

• soaps
• shaving creams
• lotions and moisturizers
• pharmaceutical ointments
• sunscreens

Household Cleaning Products

Uses of the Chemicals

• control pH levels
• used in rubber chemicals
• neutralizes fatty acids
• make cosmetics creamy
• used in oil refineries

, . Ethanolamine Compounds (MEA, DEA, TEA And Others). The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics . 2011. 2011. 28 September 2014 http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=1168.

, . DEA, MEA & TEA . Healthy Choices . . . 28 September 2014 http://www.healthychoices.co.uk/dea.html.

, . Ingredient Watch List: Ethanolamines (MEA, DEA, & TEA)—Potential Carcinogens. Annmarie Gianni Skin Care. May 30th, 2014. May 30th, 2014. 29 September 2014 http://www.annmariegianni.com/ingredient-watch-list-ethanolamines-mea-dea-tea%E2%80%94potential-carcinogens/.

Suzuki, David. The dirt on toxic chemicals in household cleaning products. David Suzuki Foundation . . . 30 September 2014 http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/the-dirt-on-toxic-chemicals-in-household-cleaning-products/.

Suzuki, David. DEA. David Suzuki Foundation . . . 30 September 2014 http://davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/chemicals-in-your-cosmetics---dea/.

Bibliography

DEA, MEA, and TEA

Hormone-disrupting chemicals causing nitrates to react and form cancer causing nitrosamines

Triethanolmine (TEA)

Monoethanolamine (MEA)

Diethanolamine (DEA)

Properties

Hair Care Products:

Cocamide MEA

Cosmetics

Personal Care

Products

• liquid detergents
• disinfectants
• all purpose cleaners
• dish soap
• floor cleaner

Health Effects