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State Water Resources Control Board <br /> Division of Water Quality <br /> GAMA Program <br /> HEALTH EFFECT INFORMATION <br /> High levels of nitrate in drinking water are associated with adverse health effects. <br /> Domestic well users are encouraged to test their well water regularly for nitrate. <br /> Infants under six months of age have a greater risk of nitrate poisoning, called <br /> methemoglobinemia ("blue baby" syndrome). Toxic effects occur when bacteria in the <br /> infant's stomach convert nitrate to more toxic nitrite. When nitrite enters the <br /> bloodstream, it interferes with the body's ability to carry oxygen to body tissues. <br /> Symptoms include shortness of breath and blueness of the skin around the eyes and <br /> mouth. Infants with these symptoms need immediate medical care since the condition <br /> can lead to coma and eventually death. During pregnancy, it is common for <br /> methemoglobin levels of the pregnant woman to increase from normal (where 0.5 to <br /> 2.5% of the total hemoglobin is in the form of methemoglobin) to a maximum of 10% in <br /> the 30th week of pregnancy. The level of methemoglobin declines to a normal level after <br /> delivery. Pregnant women are susceptible to methemoglobinemia and should be sure <br /> that the nitrate concentrations in their drinking water are at safe levels. <br /> Some scientific studies suggested a linkage between high nitrate levels in drinking water <br /> with birth defects and certain types of cancer. However, long-term scientific studies are <br /> needed to determine a direct relationship. According to the EPA, long-term exposure to <br /> water with high nitrate levels may cause diuresis, increased starchy deposits, and <br /> hemorrhaging of the spleen. People with heart or lung diseases are more susceptible to <br /> the toxic effects of nitrate than others because of reduced levels of gastric acidity. <br /> Revised November 2017 5 <br />