What is nitrite
Nitrites are nitrogen-oxygen chemical units which combine with various organic and inorganic compounds.
Uses for nitrite.
The greatest use of nitrates is as a fertilizer. Once taken into the body, nitrates are converted to nitrites.:
Nitrite’s health effects
Infants below six months who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrom
Nitrites are cause for concern in infants under 6 months of age and farm animals. They affect the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Nitrites get into the body when nitrates are ingested, both from food and water, and nitrate reducing bacteria in an infant’s digestive tract converts the nitrate to nitrite. Once the nitrite enters the blood stream and binds to the hemoglobin, oxygen cannot be carried, and “blue-baby” syndrome (bluish tint to skin due to lack of oxygen) occurs, as well as shortness of breath, increased sensitivity to illness, heart attacks, and possibly death by asphyxiation. However, as the infant ages, stomach acid becomes stronger, and bacteria that cause the conversion of nitrate to nitrite are reduced. Older children and adults generally do not have a problem with nitrates.
If nitrates are a concern in your area, it is best to use bottled water for the infant’s formula. Boiling the water will not make the nitrates go away, it will instead cause an increase in the amount of nitrates present.
The best way to tell if your water has nitrates is to have it tested by a reputable lab. If your water is found to be contaminated, it can be treated in a variety of ways, including filtration, distillation, or a system similar to a water softener. However, to choose a treatment, a professional should be consulted.
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