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Nitrates are present in various foods, water sources, and the human body. While they are generally stable and unlikely to cause harm, certain conditions can convert them into nitrites, which may have adverse health effects. Drinking water with high nitrate concentrations, such as wells with levels above 10 mg/L, can lead to immediate health problems. However, the link between nitrates in water and muscle cramps specifically requires further exploration, as current research focuses on other health concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occurrence in water | Nitrates occur naturally in the environment and are found in groundwater and surface water. They can also be present in well water, especially in older wells, those near septic systems, or in areas with agricultural activities. |
| Health effects | Consuming high levels of nitrates can affect how blood carries oxygen and cause methemoglobinemia ("blue baby syndrome"), which is more common in bottle-fed babies under six months old. It can lead to serious illness or death, with symptoms including bluish lips and skin. Other potential health effects include thyroid problems, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and an increased risk of specific cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. |
| Regulatory limits | The regulatory limit for nitrate in public drinking water supplies is set to protect against infant methemoglobinemia, typically below 10 mg/L. |
| Contamination sources | Nitrate contamination in water can come from natural sources and human activities, including fertilizers, septic systems, animal waste, and inorganic fertilizer and animal manure in agricultural areas. |
| Prevention and testing | To prevent nitrate contamination, keep nitrate sources away from water sources and regularly inspect wells for damage. Test water for nitrate annually or when planning a pregnancy, and use accredited laboratories for accurate testing. |
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What You'll Learn
Nitrates in water can cause methemoglobinemia, or 'blue baby syndrome'
Nitrates are found in water due to natural processes such as plant decay and lightning, as well as human activities like using fertilizers and raising livestock. While nitrates occur naturally in the environment and are even present in some foods, high levels of nitrates in drinking water can have adverse health effects.
One of the most well-known risks associated with nitrate-contaminated drinking water is infant methemoglobinemia, commonly known as "blue baby syndrome." This condition primarily affects bottle-fed babies under six months old and can result in serious illness or even death. When babies consume high levels of nitrates, it interferes with the ability of their red blood cells to carry oxygen, leading to a bluish or brownish discoloration of the skin, lips, inside the nose or mouth, and under the fingernails and toenails. This condition can progress rapidly, causing symptoms such as irritability, lethargy, and, in severe cases, coma.
The regulatory limit for nitrate in public drinking water supplies is set to protect against infant methemoglobinemia. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard is 10 milligrams of nitrate per liter of drinking water (mg/L), which is considered safe for infants. However, nitrate levels above 3 mg/L in well water suggest the presence of other contaminants and warrant additional testing.
To prevent exposure to nitrates, it is recommended to test private wells regularly and ensure that drinking water meets the EPA standard. If nitrate levels are high, it is crucial to use alternative water sources, especially when preparing infant formula or baby food. Boiled water is not a safe option, as it increases nitrate concentration.
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Drinking water with nitrates may lead to cancer
Nitrates are one of the most common contaminants in drinking water. They are nitrogen-oxygen chemical units that occur naturally in the environment, in soil, water, and some foods. Nitrates are also found in many fertilizers used on yards, gardens, golf courses, and crops. Other sources include discharge from sewage systems and animal waste.
Nitrate levels in water resources have increased in many areas worldwide due to the use of inorganic fertilizers and animal manure in agricultural areas. The regulatory limit for nitrate in public drinking water supplies was initially set to protect against infant methemoglobinemia (also known as blue baby syndrome), a potentially fatal blood condition that starves the body of oxygen. However, other health effects, including cancer, were not considered.
Through endogenous nitrosation, nitrates are a precursor in the formation of N-nitroso compounds (NOCs). Most NOCs are carcinogens, and exposure to them through the ingestion of nitrates from drinking water may result in cancer. Studies have shown an increased risk of colon, kidney, and stomach cancer among people with higher ingestion of water nitrates and higher meat intake, a dietary pattern that results in increased NOC formation.
A systematic review of 60 studies on the risks of developing cancer associated with nitrate in drinking water found an association between nitrate exposure and the risk of developing gastric cancer. However, no association was found with other cancer types or colorectal cancer. Another review of 111 studies reporting health outcomes found that colorectal and gastric cancers were the most reported, with a positive association identified between nitrate exposure and gastric cancer.
While the available evidence is not conclusive, and the effects of increased nitrate levels in drinking water on human health are still unclear, the concern among scientists and health advocates is significant. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began a crucial assessment of the health risks of nitrates in drinking water in 2017, which may lead to tighter restrictions on nitrates in drinking water.
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High nitrate levels in water can cause birth defects
Nitrates are found in many places in the environment, such as in some foods (e.g. spinach and carrots), and they are also a product of natural processes like plant decay and lightning. They are also commonly found in fertilizers used on gardens, golf courses, and crops, as well as in sewage systems and animal waste. Nitrate levels in water resources have increased in many areas due to the use of inorganic fertilizers and animal manure in agricultural areas.
High levels of nitrates in water, particularly above 10 mg/L, can be harmful to human health. The regulatory limit for nitrate in public drinking water supplies was set to protect against infant methemoglobinemia, or "blue baby syndrome", which can cause serious illness or even death in bottle-fed babies under six months old. Symptoms include the skin turning a bluish colour, and shortness of breath.
However, other health effects were not considered when setting this regulatory limit. High nitrate levels in water can cause adverse health outcomes, including an increased risk of specific cancers, thyroid problems, and birth defects. For example, a study of over one million births in Denmark found evidence of an increased risk of birth defects of the eye from prenatal exposure to nitrate in drinking water. There was also an increased risk of nervous system, ear, face, and neck birth defects among children of mothers under 25 years old.
Furthermore, animal studies have indicated that nitrate from the mother can cross the placenta, affecting the fetus in utero and increasing adverse outcomes such as abortion, birth defects, and microphthalmia. Exposure to low levels of nitrate in drinking water may also have adverse reproductive effects, with some studies showing an increased risk of preterm birth and neural tube defects.
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Nitrates can be found in wells, especially older, vulnerable wells
Nitrates are commonly found in water supplies, and their presence in groundwater is often linked to septic systems, animal feeding operations, or fertiliser use. These sources of nitrate contamination are more prevalent in rural settings. Nitrates are also present in treated wastewater, which can subsequently find its way into surface water or groundwater.
Wells, particularly older and vulnerable ones, are susceptible to nitrate contamination. Shallow wells, wells in sand, karst, or fractured rock aquifers, and dug wells with inadequate casings are examples of vulnerable wells. Wells that are near septic systems or in areas with agricultural operations are also more likely to be contaminated with nitrates.
In Minnesota, for example, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency discovered that 27% of surface water samples had nitrate levels exceeding 10 mg/L, with southern Minnesota having the highest levels. Furthermore, about 4% of private wells constructed in the state since 1991 have nitrate levels above 3 mg/L, indicating possible human-made contamination sources.
High nitrate levels in water can result from runoff or leakage from fertilised soil, wastewater, landfills, animal feedlots, septic systems, or urban drainage. It can be challenging to pinpoint the exact source of nitrate contamination in drinking water due to the variety of potential sources.
If you suspect nitrate contamination in your well, it is essential to take preventive measures. These include constructing your well in a safe location, keeping nitrate sources away from the well, and regularly inspecting and testing your well for damage and nitrate levels.
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Nitrates in water can cause hypotension, or low blood pressure
Nitrates are naturally occurring in the environment and can be found in water sources. While they are beneficial in managing and treating angina and other cardiovascular diseases, high levels of nitrates in drinking water may lead to adverse health effects.
Furthermore, high nitrate levels in drinking water have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, adverse reproductive outcomes, and birth defects. This is because nitrates can form N-nitroso compounds (NOCs) in the body, which are known to be carcinogenic and teratogenic. Studies have found a correlation between drinking water nitrate ingestion and colorectal cancer, thyroid disease, and neural tube defects.
To protect against these potential health risks, it is recommended to test water sources for nitrate levels, especially in vulnerable wells and areas with high agricultural activity. Boiling water is not an effective method of removing nitrates, as it can increase their concentration. Instead, alternative safe water sources, such as bottled water, should be used until the water system can be properly treated to reduce nitrate levels.
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Frequently asked questions
Nitrates are compounds consisting of nitrogen and oxygen atoms. They occur naturally in the environment and can be found in some foods such as spinach, carrots, and processed meats. Nitrates are also used in fertilizers and can be present in groundwater and surface water.
Yes, consuming high levels of nitrates can affect how blood carries oxygen and cause methemoglobinemia, also known as "Blue Baby Syndrome". This condition can result in serious illness or even death, with symptoms including bluish lips and skin. Other potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to nitrates in drinking water include thyroid problems, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and cancers, particularly colorectal cancer.
The symptoms of nitrate exposure can vary depending on the level of exposure and individual factors. However, some possible symptoms include bluish lips and skin, anaemia, cardiovascular disease, lung disease, sepsis, and metabolic problems. In addition, nitrate exposure may increase the risk of pregnancy complications such as anaemia, premature labour, and preeclampsia.
To reduce your exposure to nitrates in water, it is recommended to test your water source regularly, especially if you have a private well. If nitrate levels are above 10 mg/L, it is advisable to use an alternative source of drinking water, such as bottled water, and ensure that infants under six months old do not consume the water. Boiling water is not a safe option as it can increase nitrate concentration.
