DEA Safety DEA is a potential skin irritant in workers sensitized by exposure to water-based metalworking fluids. One study showed that DEA inhibits in baby mice the absorption of choline, which is necessary for brain development and maintenance; however, a study in humans determined that dermal treatment for 1 month with a commercially available skin lotion containing DEA resulted in DEA levels that were "far below those concentrations associated with perturbed brain development in the mouse". In a mouse study of chronic exposure to inhaled DEA at high concentrations (above 150 mg/m3), DEA was found to induce body and organ weight changes, clinical and histopathological changes, indicative of mild blood, liver, kidney and testicular systemic toxicity. A 2009 study found that DEA has potential acute, chronic and subchronic toxicity properties for aquatic species. References External links Chemical safety card for DEA CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies Products containing diethanolamine, from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Brief technical specification of diethanolamine Brief technical specification of diethanolamine pure Diols Endocrine disruptors IARC Group 2B carcinogens Secondary amines Ethanolamines