Blue babies and nitrate-contaminated well water

Knobeloch, L; Salna, B; Hogan, A; Postle, J; Anderson, H

HERO ID

1685540

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2000

PMID

10903623

HERO ID 1685540
In Press No
Year 2000
Title Blue babies and nitrate-contaminated well water
Authors Knobeloch, L; Salna, B; Hogan, A; Postle, J; Anderson, H
Journal Environmental Health Perspectives
Volume 108
Issue 7
Page Numbers 675-678
Abstract The use of nitrate-contaminated drinking water to prepare infant formula is a well-known risk factor for infant methemoglobinemia. Affected infants develop a peculiar blue-gray skin color and may become irritable or lethargic, depending on the severity of their condition. The condition can progress rapidly to cause coma and death if it is not recognized and treated appropriately. Two cases of blue baby syndrome were recently investigated. Both cases involved infants who became ill after being fed formula that was reconstituted with water from private wells. Water samples collected from these wells during the infants' illnesses contained nitrate-nitrogen concentrations of 22.9 and 27.4 mg/L.
Doi 10.2307/3434890
Pmid 10903623
Wosid WOS:000088529700041
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Source: Web of Science WOS:000088529700041
Is Public Yes
Keyword blue baby syndrome; methemoglobinemia; nitrate; nitrate-contaminated well water