Blue Baby Syndrome is caused by the contamination of

Blue Baby Syndrome, medically known as methemoglobinemia, is primarily caused by the ingestion of high levels of nitrate (NO3) in drinking water [2]. While nitrate itself is relatively non-toxic, it is converted into nitrite (NO2) by bacteria in the digestive systems of infants, who have lower stomach acidity than adults [1]. This nitrite then reacts with hemoglobin to form methemoglobin, which lacks the capacity to carry oxygen effectively to body tissues [1]. This oxygen deprivation leads to the characteristic bluish skin color (cyanosis) in infants under six months of age [2]. Common sources of nitrate contamination in groundwater include the leaching of chemical fertilizers from agricultural lands and waste dumps [1]. Regulatory standards for drinking water, such as the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), are specifically set to prevent this acute health condition in vulnerable populations [3].

Sources

1. [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > d) Blue baby syndrome > p. 416
2. [2] https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/egle/Documents/Programs/DWEHD/Water-Well-Construction/Nitrate-and-Nitrite-in-Drinking-Water.pdf?rev=61bc5789d3f045e29fe64ad1a3cc03a5
3. [3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6068531/