A major health risk associated with nitrites and nitrates is...

The major health risk associated with nitrites and nitrates, especially in the context of infant health, is blue baby syndrome. This condition occurs when there are high levels of nitrate in water, which can interfere with the ability of blood to carry oxygen. This is particularly dangerous for infants because their digestive systems convert nitrates into nitrites, and the nitrites can bind to hemoglobin, resulting in reduced oxygen delivery to tissues. This can lead to symptoms such as a bluish tint to the skin, particularly around the lips and fingertips, indicating oxygen deprivation.

While nitrites and nitrates can potentially be linked to other health issues, such as increased cancer risk, respiratory diseases, or developmental concerns, the most direct and immediate health effect observed in young children is blue baby syndrome. This emphasizes the importance of monitoring water sources for nitrate contamination, especially in areas with agricultural runoff where fertilizers are commonly used.