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.
Published by Joseph Cotruvo, President at Joseph Cotruvo & Associates, Water , Environment and Public Health
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.