Nitrates naturally occur when oxygen and nitrogen combine, and they are common in rural agricultural areas. Some people are highly sensitive to the substances and may suffer from a variety of health problems. When water is contaminated with nitrates, some people with specific health conditions are at a higher risk of complications. Nitrates cannot be detected in water by sight or smell alone, so health problems may only be diagnosed once symptoms are apparent. Nitrate is added to soil by fertilization and may result in nearby well water contamination, causing illness to infants and pregnant women. If you feel you are at risk of nitrate poisoning, contact your local health department for water testing.
PREGNANCY AND INFANTS
Pregnant women who drink high levels of nitrate-contaminated water may harm their unborn child. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and drink large amounts of water with high nitrate levels may pass this on to the unborn child or breastfeeding child. Infants, even if healthy, under the age of 6 months are at higher risk of nitrate poisoning. This often occurs when contaminated water is used with formula. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, nitrates prevent blood from carrying adequate levels of oxygen in some infants.
ADULTS
Most adults are able to consume nitrates without problems, unless in extremely high doses. Still, some adults who are severely ill or who have decreased amounts of gastric acid in the stomach may suffer from nitrate poisoning, according to Colorado State University. When drinking water high in nitrates, oxygen carrying hemoglobin changes to methemoglobin, which is unable to carry oxygen. Some adults do not carry the enzyme in their body that converts methemoglobin back to hemoglobin.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
When suffering from nitrate poisoning, the most common symptom is lack of oxygen and respiratory distress. The skin often turns light blue in color, usually around the mouth, eyes and lips. You may see shortness of breath, weakness and fatigue in someone suffering from high nitrate levels.
TREATMENT
Most infants and adults are able to recover from nitrate poisoning. Commonly, a medication known as methylene blue is injected in the skin. However, the medication may be fatal in people with a blood disease known as Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, or G6PD. Other forms of treatment include ascorbic acid and hyperbaric oxygen chambers, reports the Pub Med Health website. If nitrate poisoning is suspected, it is critical to seek immediate medication. Shock, seizures and even death may result if left untreated.