Which condition can result from elevated levels of nitrates in drinking water?

Elevated levels of nitrates in drinking water can lead to methemoglobinemia, also known as "blue baby syndrome." This condition primarily affects infants, particularly those under six months of age, because their bodies are less able to convert methemoglobin back to hemoglobin. Nitrates are converted to nitrites in the gastrointestinal tract, which can then bind to hemoglobin, impairing its ability to carry oxygen. This reduction in oxygen transport can cause a bluish discoloration of the skin, hence the name "blue baby syndrome," as well as other serious health complications. Therefore, the association between high nitrate levels in drinking water and methemoglobinemia highlights the critical need for monitoring and managing water quality to ensure it is safe for consumption, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants.

In contrast, while respiratory issues, kidney failure, and skin irritation can arise from other toxic contaminants, they are not directly linked to nitrate exposure in the same significant way that methemoglobinemia is. Thus, the focus on methemoglobinemia as the primary health concern arising from high nitrate levels emphasizes the importance of addressing this specific risk in water quality management.