Epidemiology
editBlue Baby syndrome or methemoglobinemia mostly affects infants under 6 months of age, although the age range it is most common in is 0 to 4 months. Infants in this age range are vulnerable because they haven't matured enough to produce methemoglobin reductase, an oxygen carrying molecule. [1] [2] The most at risk populations are those with private water sources. Private wells aren't regulated by the US government and therefore, if unmonitored, can have higher levels of nitrates; being hazardous to the infants. [3][4] The link between Blue Baby Syndrome in infants and high nitrate levels is well established for waters exceeding the normal limit of 10 mg/L.[5][6] However, there is also evidence that breastfeeding is protective in exposed populations[7]. Its recommended to have your drinking water tested by a state certification officer if you suspect a problem, many laboratories will provide a water test free of charge. Residents of the United States can find a list of cost-free laboratories here.
- ^ Richard, Alyce M.; Diaz, James H.; Kaye, Alan David (1 January 2014). "Reexamining the Risks of Drinking-Water Nitrates on Public Health". The Ochsner Journal. pp. 392–398. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
- ^ "NITRATES AND DRINKING WATER". www.bfhd.wa.gov. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
- ^ Manassaram, Deana M.; Backer, Lorraine C.; Moll, Deborah M. (1 March 2007). "A review of nitrates in drinking water: maternal exposure and adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes". Ciência & Saúde Coletiva. pp. 153–163. doi:10.1590/S1413-81232007000100018. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
- ^ Fan, Anna M; Steinberg, Valerie E (May 27, 1995). "Health Implications of Nitrate and Nitrite in Drinking Water: An Update on Methemoglobinemia Occurrence and Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity". REGULATORY TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY: 35-43.
{{cite journal}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ "Nitrate and Nitrite in Drinking-Water" (PDF). www.who.int. WHO Press. 2011. Retrieved December 10t 2016.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|access-date=(help) - ^ EPA,OW, US. "Table of Regulated Drinking Water Contaminants". www.epa.gov. Retrieved 2016-12-12.
- ^ Pollock, J (1994). "Long term associations with infant feeding in a clinically advantaged population of babies". Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. 36 – via PubMed.