Nitrates and nitrites are used in fertilizers and lawn treatments. After the fertilizer is used, it can seep through the ground into wells and ground water. Shallow wells and ground water usually have more nitrates than deeper water. Nitrates can enter the body through food and water.
Babies are the most at risk .
Nitrates are changed by a baby's digestive system. Then the nitrates travel through circulatory system and join with hemoglobin. The hemoglobin is a part of the blood that carries oxygen from the lungs to the other parts of body. If nitrates join with the hemoglobin, a baby can experience shortness of breath and is more likely to become ill, have a heart attack, or suffocate in some cases. As children get older the nitrate-reducing bacteria in their bodies gets stronger and nitrates are no longer a problem.