High nitrate levels (10 milligrams per liter or more) are:
- High levels of nitrate in the water you use for drinking and cooking can cause long- and short-term health effects. Boiling your water will not remove nitrate, but will make the issue worse.
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Formula-fed babies are at risk for blue baby syndrome. This serious health condition makes it difficult for red blood cells to carry oxygen. Breast milk is
safe
for infants even if the water the parent is drinking has high levels of nitrate.
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There is some evidence that drinking water with high levels of nitrate
(10 mg/L or more) can increase the risks of miscarriage and certain birth defects. People who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not drink or cook with water with high nitrate.
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There is inconclusive evidence that consuming nitrate at levels of 10 mg/L or more over a long period of time may increase the risk of:
- Thyroid issues
- Cancer of the stomach or bladder