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Nitrite and Nitrate

CAS Number

14797-65-0; 14797-55-8

Synonym

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.

More information about Nitrite and Nitrate
Nitrite and Nitrate

California Public Health Goals Data

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
Update Date: 
05/11/2018