Which syndrome is caused by high levels of nitrate in drinking water?

High levels of nitrate in drinking water can lead to a condition known as Blue Baby Syndrome, medically referred to as methemoglobinemia. This syndrome primarily affects infants, particularly those under the age of six months. When excessive nitrates are ingested, they can convert hemoglobin in the blood to methemoglobin, which is unable to effectively carry oxygen. This results in reduced oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues, leading to a bluish discoloration of the skin, particularly noticeable around the lips and extremities.

The condition is particularly concerning because infants have underdeveloped digestive systems that can convert nitrate from the drinking water into nitrite more readily than adults. As such, the presence of high nitrate levels in water supplies poses a significant health risk to this vulnerable population. Other options such as hemophilia, respiratory distress syndrome, and Down syndrome are not directly related to nitrate contamination, highlighting the specific impact of nitrate on infant health in the case of Blue Baby Syndrome.