Why is diethanolamine classified as a hazardous chemical and what storage precautions are needed?

Why is diethanolamine classified as a hazardous chemical and what storage precautions are needed?
Diethanolamine carries multiple hazard classifications under Chinese regulations: skin corrosion/irritation category 2, serious eye damage/irritation category 1, and specific target organ toxicity from repeated exposure. It is also listed by the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer. These classifications mean handlers must use protective gloves and goggles, and facilities need proper ventilation. Storage requires cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from heat sources, oxidizers, and acids. For downstream users like CDEA manufacturers, there is an additional concern: DEA can react with nitrosating agents to form NDELA, a potential nitrosamine contaminant. This has pushed some producers of high-grade surfactants to offer lower free-DEA grades, which command a premium in food-contact and premium cleaning applications.