Nitrite and Nitrate
CAS Number
14797-65-0; 14797-55-8Synonym
Salts of nitrous acid
Occurrence/Use
Nitrite is produced endogenously, added to cured meats as preservative and color enhancer, and is a common drinking water contaminant. Nitrate is used as fertilizer and as an oxidizing agent.
Cancer Potency Information
| Latest Criteria: | California Public Health Goals |
|---|
Water
California Public Health Goals Data
| Health Risk Category: | Hematoxicity (methemoglobinemia) |
|---|---|
| Public Health Goal (mg/L): | 10 as nitrogen |
| Public Health Goal - Download: | nitratephg051118.pdf |
| Cancer Risk at PHG: | n/a |
| MCL value (mg/L): | 10 as nitrogen |
| Cancer Risk at MCL: | n/a |
| Last PHG Revision : | 2018 |
| California PHG Comments: |
Both the PHG and the MCL for nitrate and nitrite reflect a level of 10 mg/L and 1 mg/L, respectively, as nitrogen. The combined PHG and MCL for nitrate/nitrite is 10 mg/L as nitrogen and the maximum contribution from nitrite should not exceed 1 mg/L as nitrite-nitrogen. OEHHA 2016. Health Risk Information for Public Health Goal Exceedance Reports |