MIT Study Flags Higher Cancer Risk for Children from NDMA Exposure

A new study from Massachusetts Institute of Technology suggests that NDMA, a cancer-linked chemical found in contaminated water, certain foods, and some medications, may pose a significantly greater risk to children than adults.

The research found that young mice exposed to NDMA developed far more DNA damage and cancer compared to older mice, despite similar exposure levels. The study highlights how age plays a critical role in how the body responds to harmful chemicals.

NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine) forms as a byproduct of industrial processes and is also found in cigarette smoke and processed meats. It has previously been detected in some drugs and was linked to water contamination in Wilmington, Massachusetts, where higher rates of childhood cancer were reported.

Published in Nature Communications, the findings reveal that rapid cell growth in younger bodies makes DNA damage more likely to turn into cancer-causing mutations. Researchers emphasise the need for safety testing to consider age-specific risks when evaluating environmental toxins.

05-05-2026