Nitrates (NO3-N)
Nitrates are heavy oxidants. They are undesirable substances, harmful for human health. The ingestion of a large quantity can cause gastric problems, hives and rashes and other reactions or illnesses.
They are used as chemical fertilizers in intensive agriculture. Other sources of nitrates include septic tank leakage, livestock manure, and erosion of natural deposits.
These tasteless, colorless and odorless nitrates get absorbed by plant roots,
but their excessive use pollutes water tables and aquifers and eventually contaminates our bottled water.
Maximum Contaminant Level
(MCL) = 10 mg/L
(according to EPA and FDA.)
In many European countries, legislation requires bottled water brands to clearly label their nitrate levels.
In the U.S., there is currently no such regulation protecting infants, babies, and expectant mothers.
Clinical studies
have shown a connection between high nitrate levels in pregnant women and various birth defects in newborns. These include blue baby syndrome, oral cleft defects & limb deficiencies, and neural tube defects. Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should avoid drinking nitrate-contaminated water.
Babies, especially under 6 months, can become seriously ill if exposed to nitrate levels above 2.27 mg/L . Blue baby syndrome is a condition where the infant has decreased oxygen and blood circulation.
Among the reported cases in US infants, most have been attributed to nitrate contaminated water used to prepare infant formula.
