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Nitrate
Nitrates and Nitrites can be naturally
occurring or can be introduced by humans into the environment. They are
often associated with farming, yard fertilizing, and animal waste. Most
adults can tolerate some nitrate in their drinking water but it is extremely
dangerous for young children and expectant mothers.
Nitrate reacts with the blood's ability to
absorb oxygen. A baby can turn blue and literally suffocate after
drinking water that contains nitrate.
Low oxygen in the blood will cause babies to
have blue-colored skin, which is why the disease is commonly called "blue
baby" syndrome. This disease is also called "methemoglobinemia."
The EPA has set a maximum amount of 10 parts
per million of nitrate in the water, however when nitrate is present it may
be an indication of other farmland chemicals such as pesticides and
fertilizer.
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