Who is Most at Risk of Nitrate Poisoning?
So who is most at risk for nitrate poisoning? People who have private wells are at risk for nitrate exposure; Babies under the age of 6 months old are most at risk and babies under the age of 3 months old even more so. Babies who are over the age of 6 months old have developed the stomach acids necessary to fight the bacteria that helps nitrate conversion and subsequent nitrate poisoning. Infants who are formula fed and live on farms or in highly agricultural areas may also be at greater risk. Nitrates used in farming, and the excess not taken in by the crop itself, easily run-off and may seep into water tables, contaminating water supplies. As mentioned earlier, nitrate poisoning is very rare and when it does occur, it is typically traced back to ground water contamination – specifically from contaminated private wells.2 If you have any doubts or fears, please speak to your pediatrician.
