Work

Infantile Methemoglobinemia: Reexamining the Role of Drinking Water Nitrates

Year: 1999

Type: article

Abstract: Ingestion of nitrates in drinking water has long been thought to be a primary cause of acquired infantile methemoglobinemia, often called blue baby syndrome. However, recent research and a review of historical cases offer a more complex picture of the causes of infantile methemoglobinemia. Gastrointestinal infection and inflammation and the ensuing overproduction of nitric oxide may be the cause of many cases of infantile methemoglobinemia previously attributed to drinking water nitrates. If so, current limits on allowable levels of nitrates in drinking water, which are based solely on the health threat of infantile methemoglobinemia, may be unnecessarily strict.

Source: Environmental Health Perspectives

DOI: 10.1289/ehp.99107583

Author: A A Avery

Institution: Hudson Institute

Language: English

Topic: Methemoglobinemia and Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Subfield: Hematology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,500