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.
California Public Health Goals Data
| Update Date: | |
|---|---|
| Public Health Goal (mg/L): | 10 as nitrogen |
| Health Risk Category: | Hematoxicity (methemoglobinemia) |
| Cancer Risk at Public Health Goal: | n/a |
| CA Maximum Contaminant Level (mg/L): | 10 as nitrogen |
| Cancer Risk at Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): | n/a |
| Public Health Goal Technical Support Document: |
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| 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 |