Sodium nitrites are commonly used both to kill underground rodents and for food preservation, and they may cause severe health problems in some people. Canisters are placed in rodent holes and caused to explode. Sodium nitrites are released into the ground and may possibly cause water contamination. Sodium nitrites are commonly used as a food additive to preserve meats, and is not commonly associated with negative health effects due to the small amount of nitrites used. However, some people who drink water contaminated by nitrites, such as infants or severely ill adults, may suffer from the effects of nitrite poisoning.
Definition
Sodium nitrite often enter the body through water contamination in rural farming communities. High levels of nitrite are also found in higher concentrations in some foods when nitrite-containing substances have been used on crops. According to "Staying Healthy with Nutrition" by Dr. Elson Haas, farm areas often use higher amounts of toxic pesticides and herbicides. Though high levels do not affect everyone, infants and some adults are at higher risk of medical complications. A similar substance, sodium nitrates causes the same health risks. Nitrates are used in fertilizers and pesticides. Nitrates may change into nitrites in the body, and some people are unable to eliminate them from the body--leading to nitrite poisoning.
Risk Factors
Infants between the ages of 0 to 3 months are most commonly affected by nitrite or nitrate poisoning. When water high in nitrates is consumed, the infants natural stomach acid converts nitrates to nitrites. The nitrites change natural oxygen carrying hemoglobin in the blood into methemoglobin. Methemoglobin does not carry oxygen. Adults may suffer from nitrate poisoning when consuming abnormally high levels of nitrates; however this is rare. Adults with severe health complications or who produce very low levels of stomach acids are at higher risk of nitrite poisoning.
Side Effects of Symptoms
Nitrite poisoning is most commonly associated with the condition methemoglobinemia, where the body receives decreased oxygen. Symptoms include blue skin, respiratory distress, shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, increased exposure to high levels of nitrates or nitrites has been linked to cancer in both children and adults, as well as leukemia, brain, nose and throat tumors. Still, evidence of the linked association and these health conditions is conflicting; more scientific research is required.
Medical Treatment and Water Detection
If nitrate or nitrite poisoning is suspected, the most common form of treatment is methylene blue. The drug is injected. It reverts methemoglobin to hemoglobin, and the body is able to increase oxygen. If you live in areas where nitrite or nitrate poisoning could occur, it is critical to test your well water. Public, or municipal, water supplies will be continuously tested and monitored. Many county and state health departments will test well water for contamination. High levels of nitrites cannot be detected without tests, and poisoning is not commonly detected unless health symptoms occur.
References
- EPA: Nitrates and Nitrites
- "Staying Healthy With Nutrition"; Elson Haas; 2006
- Pub Med Health: Methemoglobinemia
