What health issue can Nitrite cause in infants?

Nitrite can cause methemoglobinemia in infants, a serious health condition that occurs when nitrite interacts with hemoglobin in the blood. This process converts hemoglobin into methemoglobin, which is unable to effectively carry oxygen. Infants are particularly susceptible to this condition because their digestive systems are not fully developed, making them less able to process nitrates and nitrites found in contaminated water or certain foods.

As a result, exposure to high levels of nitrite can lead to significant drops in oxygen delivery to tissues, causing symptoms such as cyanosis (a bluish coloration of the skin, especially around the mouth), difficulty breathing, and lethargy. This is why monitoring nitrite levels in drinking water, particularly in areas where formula-fed infants may be using well water or other non-treated sources, is crucial for public health.