Find out more about the problem with nitrates in water

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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.

Chemical fertilizers

They are used as chemical fertilizers in intensive agriculture. Other sources of nitrates include septic tank leakage, livestock manure, and erosion of natural deposits.

Tasteless, colorless and odorless

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. Nitrates are heavy oxidants that are harmful to humans and have been found to have short-term and long-term health effects. 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.

2.27 mg/L

Is the maximum level recommended for babies and expecting mothers.

which is

20%

of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) recommended for adults.

Why should Mothers and Pregnant Women be Concerned?

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Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
should avoid drinking nitrate-contaminated water.

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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 and limb deficiencies, and neural tube defects.

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.
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Nitrate Comparison


SPARKLING WATER

NITRATES

mg/L

AQUA Carpatica Sparkling

Nitrate Free *

Poland Spring Sparkling

0.27

San Pellegrino

0.68

Appolinaris

0.73

Gerolsteiner

1.00

Perrier

2.00


STILL WATER

NITRATES

mg/L

AQUA Carpatica Still

Nitrate Free *

Fiji

0.28

Acqua Panna

0.80

Evian

0.90

Poland Spring Still

1.10

Volvic

1.70

*Non Detectable at Spring. Data from NSF International Lab Test Report 2015 and brand websites.

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