Problem

Nitrites as pollutants

Nature:

Nitrites are found in the soil and formed in the human gut by the action of bacteria on nitrate. In nature is is part of the nitrogen cycle and is rapidly converted to nitrate which is absorbed by plants. In humans it can cause problems. Nitrite combines with haemoglobin preventing the blood from carrying oxygen around the body efficiently. A significant degree of the body may be suffocated from within, a condition called methaemoglobinaemia. This is rare in adults but occurs in babies and small children. Nitrites are used in the preservation of some meats and may also present a cancer risk.
Broader Problems:
Nitrogen as a pollutant
Chemical contaminants of food
Chemical contamination of water
Nitrogen compounds as water pollutants
Related Problems:
Acidic precipitation
Aggravates:
Lake pollution
Cancer-causing foods
Health hazards from meat and meat preparations
Values:
Pollution
References:
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: Water Quality Criteria for European Freshwater Fish: report on nitrite and freshwater fish
Subject(s):
Fundamental Sciences → Inorganic chemical compounds
Societal Problems → Pollution
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
GOAL 15: Life on Land
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems
Date of last update
12.08.2019 – 15:30 CEST