How Does Nitrite Affect the Body?
Nitrite is of particular health concern in the body because it causes the hemoglobin in the blood to change tomethemoglobin. Methemoglobin reduces the amount of oxygen that can be carried in the blood. This results in cells throughout the body being deprived of sufficient oxygen to function properly. This condition is called methemoglobinemia. Infants and Methemoglobinemia Infants, particularly those under six months of age, are the most at risk of developing serious health problems from drinking water that contains elevated levels of nitrate or nitrite. This is because there are differences between the bodies and behaviors of infants and adults or older children. Nitrate and nitrite are two chemicals that are sometimes found in private well water. Infants who drink water containing elevated levels of nitrate can develop serious health problems. This fact sheet provides information about these chemicals and includes steps you can take to protect your family’s health if your drinking wa
