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.
| Latest Criteria: |
California Public Health Goals
|
|---|
Water
| Health Risk Category: |
Hematoxicity (methemoglobinemia)
|
|---|---|
| Public Health Goal (mg/L): |
10 as nitrogen
|
| Public Health Goal - Download: | |
| 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 |
