Triethanolamine (CED0002234)

Triethanolamine (C6H15NO3) is an exogenous organic compound with an average molecular weight of 149.19 g/mol. It exists as a liquid at room temperature. Triethanolamine belongs to the amines, a subclass of organonitrogen compounds within the organic compounds. In industrial applications, the compound serves as a pH regulating agent, surfactant, deodorizer, emulsifier, pigment, stabilizing agent, waterproofing agent, fragrance, preservative, chelating agent, humectant, cleaning agent, flavouring and nutrient, and corrosion inhibitor. It further functions as a catalyst (PMC10222623) and a stabilizer (PMC8717401). Biologically, it acts as an electron donor (PMC9824193) and has one recorded protein target, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA). Additionally, it is a biomarker of COVID-19 (PMC10026263). The compound is found in or released from 42 recorded sources across multiple sectors, including drinking water and water supply, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and veterinary products (specifically cicatrizants), household cleaning and consumer products (such as soap detergents, soap dispensers, bleaching agents, and perfumes within detergents and soaps), building and construction (including roofs, ladders, floors, fencing, and ceilings), food, food processing and cookware (including food preservation, fermentation processes for beer, food contact materials, and the preparation of vinegar, wine, or sparkling wine), and electrical and electronic equipment (such as antennas, amplifiers, adjustable resistors, communication cables or conductors, and auxiliary devices). Exposure routes include oral, topical, inhalation, touch, and extracorporeal. Regarding plastics, triethanolamine is present in polyurethane, used in polyamide and polyethylene terephthalate, and released in polypropylene; it was not detected in polyvinyl chloride, and results are inconclusive for polyacrylonitrile.