Pregnant women, people with reduced stomach acidity, and people with certain blood disorders may also be susceptible to nitrate-induced methemoglobinemia. Some research has suggested that nitrate may also play a role in the development of some cancers. However, at this time there is no clear evidence that nitrate ingestion results in an increased cancer risk. As an infant ages, its stomach acidity increases, reducing the numbers of nitrite-producing bacteria. After six months, the conversion of nitrate to nitrite in the stomach no longer occurs.
Most adults can consume large amounts of nitrate with no ill affects.
This standard provides newborns with reasonable protection against blue baby syndrome. Private wells are not required to meet this standard, but the standard does serve as a good guide for private well users. Nitrate is tasteless, odorless, and colorless. To find out if there is nitrate in your water, have it tested by a laboratory that is certified for nitrate testing by the Minnesota Department of Health. Laboratories will provide sampling bottles and instructions.