Effects of Nitrate and Nitrite in Drinking Water on Humans
Published on by Engr.Chinenye Justin Nwaogwugwu., MANAGING DIRECTOR/FOUNDER: Macjames Global Resources Ltd and Macjames Ikiomoye Technologies Ltd in Academic
Background document for development of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality
My field experience, research and observations, over the years, and that of other researchers upon whose veracity we can also rely, have it that the health effects of Nitrate and Nitrite from drinking water have been neglected by many borehole water owners and providers.
PLEASE READ AND NOTE THIS ARTICLE: Nitrate and nitrite in drinking water. Background document for development of WHO Guidelines for Drinking water Quality.
NITRATE AND NITRITE IN DRINKING WATER cause the condition, called methaemoglobinaemia which causes cyanosis and, at higher concentrations, asphyxia. Children are at more risk than Adults.
Attached link
http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/chemicals/nitratenitrite2ndadd.pdfMedia
Taxonomy
- Public Health
- Drinking Water Security
- Drinking Water Treatment
- Quality
- Water Quality
- Quality Maintenance
- Drinking Water
3 Comments
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Breast feeding is essential for infants and avoid them from having drinking water.
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This article refers to very old research papers, some goes back over 20 years. Isn't there any new findings on the effect of Nitrite/Nitrate in drinking water to cancer related cases?
1 Comment reply
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Both nitrate and nitrite were tested in high dose animal bioassays and not considered carcinogenic. Both are naturally present in many foods, including green vegetables, as well as cured meats to prevent botulinum growth. They also are cycled internally in humans from protein catabolism and produce nitrosamines . So there is no escape from mother nature. The drinking water issue is methemoglobinemia and inadequate or lack of disinfection to prevent GI infection in infants.
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Infants up to about 6 months are at risk. It is essential that the water is free of pathogen microorganism contamination, because if the infants have a GI infection they are at much greater risk because reducing conditions in the gut increase conversion of nitrate to nitrite, which is the more toxic form. So, it is important to disinfect the drinking water.