EPA has not classified triethylamine with respect to potential carcinogenicity. Exceedance of the RfC does not imply that an adverse health effect would necessarily occur. As the amount and frequency of exposures exceeding the RfC increase, the probability of adverse health effects also increases. No information was located regarding the measurement of personal exposure to triethylamine. These effects have been reversible upon cessation of exposure.
Acute exposure can irritate the skin and mucous membranes in humans.
Acute animal tests, such as the LC 50 and LD 50 tests in rats, mice, and rabbits, have demonstrated triethylamine to have moderate acute toxicity from inhalation, moderate to high acute toxicity from oral exposure, and high acute toxicity from dermal exposure. Chronic inhalation exposure has resulted in inflammation of the nasal passage in rats. Thickening of the interalveolar walls of the lungs, mucous accumulation in the alveolar spaces of the lungs, and hematological effects have also been reported in rats chronically exposed by inhalation. No information is available on the carcinogenic effects of triethylamine in humans or animals. EPA has not classified triethylamine with respect to potential carcinogenicity.