Latest news with #nitrates
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
What are nitrates and should we be worried about our tap water?
A water company that has identified rising nitrate levels in raw untreated water is planning to improve some of its treatment sites with almost £50m of investment. Anglian Water says it is being "proactive" with the plans but what are nitrates and are they safe to drink? A number of its treatment sites take raw water from rivers - including the Nar, Wensum and Wissey in Norfolk - which is then treated and distributed to customers. However, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has identified seven sites at increasing risk of breaching nitrate levels, which would constitute a potential danger to human health. How is drinking water regulated? Nitrate removal is part of the process for treating water to make it compliant with regulations, which have been laid out by the DWI. The first legal standard for nitrate was set in 1980 and the current drinking standard is 50mg/L. Since the 1990s, water companies have been required to take remedial action when there is a risk of not meeting this standard. Where do nitrates come from? Nitrate is a compound formed from nitrogen and oxygen, and is found in surface water and groundwater where fertilisers have been used on the land. Rainfall is said to wash nitrate out of the soil, which then runs into lakes, rivers and streams. Anglian Water said excess nitrate in the environment was a consequence of modernisation and intensification of agriculture during and after World War Two. Due to the slow travel time of nitrate from the soil surface to groundwater sources, nitrate concentrations recorded today are a result of historical land management. The company warned stricter rules on nitrate limits would further restrict fertiliser use, potentially lowering crop yields and impacting British food security. What are the health implications? Downham Market GP and West Norfolk Independent councillor Dr Pallavi Devulapalli believes it is "extremely unlikely" the nitrate levels could cause a risk to public health. She said: "Nitrates can get into our bloodstream if we drink water that contains too much of them, and that can result in methaemoglobinaemia, which is essentially slightly blue blood, reducing the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen around the body. "They did precautionary tests and found there was a potential for nitrate contamination and were putting measures in place to stop it happening." The DWI said this health condition occurred when nitrate intake was "very high". The last recorded case of methaemoglobinaemia in the United Kingdom was in the 1950s. What is Anglian Water proposing to do? Anglian Water's business plan states it is going to invest almost £50m into its seven existing water treatment sites in Marham, Congham, Ryston, Houghton St Giles, Ringstead, Lyng Forge and North Pickenham. Work on the sites is expected to be completed by 2029. The water company said it had seen rising nitrate levels in raw water prior to treatment and saw the improvements as a way of being able to proactively maintain its current compliance in treated water. It said: "We're working with landowners on long-term solutions to reduce nitrates at the source, but at the same time we're proactively investing in new solutions to remove nitrates through our treatment processes. "This investment is all about acting early to ensure we keep ahead of emerging challenges so we can continue to keep nitrate levels in drinking water within safe limits." Is our tap water safe to drink? The DWI says water companies are required to monitor their sources for nitrate and take action where levels are increasing. It said: "In this case, Anglian Water identified rising nitrate trends and, as part of its business plan, proposed an improvement scheme to manage the risk. "This is a proactive measure and does not indicate that drinking water is currently unsafe. Notices issued through the periodic review process are intended to ensure supplies remain safe and compliant over the long term." It said breaches must be reported so it could be assessed whether public health had been protected and if the company had met its legal duties. Anglian Water said: "We closely monitor the quality of our drinking water, and the treated water we supply continues to meet all drinking water quality standards." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More on this story Failing water sector needs stronger regulation, says damning review 'Cool data centres with treated sewage' - water firm 'Our paddleboards come out brown, it's disgusting' Related internet links Anglian Water Drinking Water Inspectorate
BBC News
5 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
What are nitrates and should we be worried about our tap water?
A water company that has identified rising nitrate levels in raw untreated water is planning to improve some of its treatment sites with almost £50m of investment. Anglian Water says it is being "proactive" with the plans but what are nitrates and are they safe to drink? A number of its treatment sites take raw water from rivers - including the Nar, Wensum and Wissey in Norfolk - which is then treated and distributed to the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has identified seven sites at increasing risk of breaching nitrate levels, which would constitute a potential danger to human health. How is drinking water regulated? Nitrate removal is part of the process for treating water to make it compliant with regulations, which have been laid out by the first legal standard for nitrate was set in 1980 and the current drinking standard is 50mg/L. Since the 1990s, water companies have been required to take remedial action when there is a risk of not meeting this standard. Where do nitrates come from? Nitrate is a compound formed from nitrogen and oxygen, and is found in surface water and groundwater where fertilisers have been used on the land. Rainfall is said to wash nitrate out of the soil, which then runs into lakes, rivers and streams. Anglian Water said excess nitrate in the environment was a consequence of modernisation and intensification of agriculture during and after World War to the slow travel time of nitrate from the soil surface to groundwater sources, nitrate concentrations recorded today are a result of historical land company warned stricter rules on nitrate limits would further restrict fertiliser use, potentially lowering crop yields and impacting British food security. What are the health implications? Downham Market GP and West Norfolk Independent councillor Dr Pallavi Devulapalli believes it is "extremely unlikely" the nitrate levels could cause a risk to public health. She said: "Nitrates can get into our bloodstream if we drink water that contains too much of them, and that can result in methaemoglobinaemia, which is essentially slightly blue blood, reducing the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen around the body."They did precautionary tests and found there was a potential for nitrate contamination and were putting measures in place to stop it happening." The DWI said this health condition occurred when nitrate intake was "very high".The last recorded case of methaemoglobinaemia in the United Kingdom was in the 1950s. What is Anglian Water proposing to do? Anglian Water's business plan states it is going to invest almost £50m into its seven existing water treatment sites in Marham, Congham, Ryston, Houghton St Giles, Ringstead, Lyng Forge and North Pickenham. Work on the sites is expected to be completed by water company said it had seen rising nitrate levels in raw water prior to treatment and saw the improvements as a way of being able to proactively maintain its current compliance in treated said: "We're working with landowners on long-term solutions to reduce nitrates at the source, but at the same time we're proactively investing in new solutions to remove nitrates through our treatment processes."This investment is all about acting early to ensure we keep ahead of emerging challenges so we can continue to keep nitrate levels in drinking water within safe limits." Is our tap water safe to drink? The DWI says water companies are required to monitor their sources for nitrate and take action where levels are increasing. It said: "In this case, Anglian Water identified rising nitrate trends and, as part of its business plan, proposed an improvement scheme to manage the risk. "This is a proactive measure and does not indicate that drinking water is currently unsafe. Notices issued through the periodic review process are intended to ensure supplies remain safe and compliant over the long term."It said breaches must be reported so it could be assessed whether public health had been protected and if the company had met its legal duties. Anglian Water said: "We closely monitor the quality of our drinking water, and the treated water we supply continues to meet all drinking water quality standards." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Sun
23-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The £1.80 juice that ‘lowers your blood pressure – slashing risk of killer heart attack and stroke'
A VEGETABLE juice available in supermarkets can lower your blood pressure by killing bad mouth bacteria, a study found. About one in three Brits have high blood pressure, raising their risk of heart disease, strokes and dementia. 1 Millions take medication to reduce the danger but your diet can also help. Researchers at Exeter University found that nitrates in beetroot juice can maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth and gut in older patients. People in their 60s and 70s saw a decrease in blood pressure after two weeks of drinking two shots of juice per day. They used juice concentrate shots that cost about £1.80 each and are equal to a pint of pressed juice, costing about £1.65. Nitrate from the juice increases the body's production of nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels to relax and regulates blood pressure. Veg alternatives if you don't like beetroot Study author Professor Anni Vanhatalo said: 'We know that a nitrate-rich diet has health benefits and older people produce less of their own nitric oxide as they age. 'Encouraging older adults to consume more nitrate-rich vegetables could have significant long term health benefits. 'The good news is that if you don't like beetroot, there are many nitrate-rich alternatives like spinach, rocket, fennel, celery and kale.' The study, published in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine, compared the effects in 39 under-30s and 36 pensioners in their 60s and 70s. Both age groups had a 'significant' change in the balance of bacteria in their mouths. What is high blood pressure and what is a normal reading? Experts increasingly believe the balance of bugs in our mouth and gut has a huge influence on overall health. Beetroot juice did not have the same blood pressure lowering effect on younger participants. Older people saw an increase in health-boosting bacteria Neisseria, and a decrease in a bug called Prevotella. This in turn led to a decrease in blood pressure readings. Dr Lee Beniston, of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, said: 'This research is a great example of how bioscience can help us better understand the complex links between diet, the microbiome and healthy ageing. 'It opens up new opportunities for improving vascular health through nutrition.' How to lower blood pressure Persistent high blood pressure (hypertension) puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs and it can raise your risk of serious conditions like heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. Here's how to reduce it. Reduce salt Adults are recommended to limit their salt to 6g per day (around one level teaspoon) to avoid health consequences including high blood pressure. The top tip is to swap out table salt, according to the Salt Substitute and Stroke Study, replacing it with a reduced sodium and added potassium alternative. Cut down on alcohol Excessive boozing can narrow the blood vessels, which raises the risk of hypertension. Official drinking guidelines advise that people should not regularly drink more than 14 units a week to keep health risks from alcohol low. Get moving Exercise is good for the heart and the blood vessels. Although the guidelines recommend 150 minutes of activity per week, if you're currently very inactive, just a walk to the shop every day is better than nothing, and you can work up from there. Studies suggest that isometric exercises - when you hold the body in one position without moving, such as a wall squat or plank - are best for lowering blood pressure. Stop smoking Smoking cigarettes is a killer. It makes the arteries sticky and narrow, which can cause blockages. While smoking is not a direct cause of high blood pressure, it can cause an instant rise to pressure, heart rate and reduce the amount of oxygen that gets to the body's cells. Skip coffee Sadly, caffeine can cause a short, but dramatic increase in your blood pressure - even if you don't have high blood pressure. Therefore cutting back on coffee is recommended as a lifestyle tip for those with hypertension. Lose weight The above tips can help you to lose weight, which is beneficial because being overweight in itself is a risk factor for hypertension. Being overweight forces your heart to work harder to pump blood around your body, which can raise your blood pressure. The only way of knowing whether you have high blood pressure is to have a blood pressure test. All adults over 40 years old are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
It's grilling, BBQ season. But wait: Are hot dogs bad for you?
You've likely been soaking up the sun by the beach, lake or pool as summer begins. And these lazy days are often accompanied by the smoky aroma of hot dogs on the grill. On days like this we don't have a worry in the world – let alone are we thinking about the health benefits and risks of hot dogs. But the truth is that in moderation and occasionally, a hot dog isn't going to break your body – though it's also important to know what exactly we are putting in our bodies. Mary Sabat, a nutritionist and owner of BodyDesigns, previously told USA TODAY what you need to know about hot dogs. It's complicated. Like many foods, there are benefits and risks when it comes to hot dogs. Sabat says that one of the benefits of hot dogs is that they have protein. In an average hot dog, there are about 5 grams of protein. She also describes some of the drawbacks. "The biggest concern with hot dogs is the presence of nitrates and nitrites, which are additives used to preserve and enhance the color of processed meats," Sabat says. "During the cooking process or digestion, nitrates and nitrites can form nitrosamines, which are compounds that have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer." If you are concerned about nitrates or nitrites, you can still enjoy hot dogs. "To address the potential risks associated with nitrates, some hot dog manufacturers now offer nitrate-free or uncured versions of their products," Sabat says. "These alternatives use natural sources of nitrate, such as celery juice, which can still form nitrosamines but in lower quantities. Nonetheless, it's always a good idea to read the labels and choose options with fewer additives whenever possible.' Mineral sunscreen isn't just marketing: It has environmental and dermatological benefits It depends. While a hot dog may have fewer calories, (about 120 to 150 calories, compared to a plain, 4 oz. hamburger patty, which has about 225 calories), a fresh hamburger patty isn't going to contain those harmful nitrates. There's also the issue of buns and toppings – ketchup, mayo and mustard can add calories and carbohydrates – but adding lettuce, tomato and onions can bring more nutritional value. Additionally, different cuts of beef or brands of hot dogs may have different amounts of fats and salt. Building muscle isn't that easy. But consuming protein the right way is critical. The bottom line: An occasional hot dog at a backyard BBQ is totally fine. "Overall, while hot dogs can be enjoyed occasionally, it's advisable to prioritize a diet rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, as these provide a wider range of nutrients and are generally considered healthier choices," Sabat says. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Are hot dogs bad for you? Understand what can make them unhealthy.
Daily Mail
26-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Experts pinpoint shocking cancer trigger in TAP WATER as map shows worst-affected areas of the US
A silent killer is lurking in tens of millions of faucets nationwide, with families in agricultural areas of the country at greatest risk. A mixture of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and livestock manure are leaching into the groundwater, creating nitrates - compounds naturally found in the environment that can be harmful in large amounts - which can cause methemoglobinemia, a potentially fatal condition in infants commonly known as blue-baby syndrome. Long-term exposure to this chemical in water — even below the EPA's maximum safety limit of 10 mg/L — is linked to thyroid, kidney, ovarian, bladder, and colon cancers, DNA damage, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and rising colon cancer rates in young people. New research from the Des Moines University College of Health Sciences zeroed in on the effects that a pregnant woman's exposure to the chemical has on her unborn baby. Nitrate levels as low as just one percent of the EPA's safety limit increased the risks of preterm birth and low birth weight, conditions that have been linked to a higher risk of chronic disease, learning disabilities, and mental health struggles in the baby's future. Dr Jason Semprini, the study's author, said that exposure to nitrate in pregnancy causes about 15 percent as much harm as smoking during pregnancy. 'I do not want to diminish the importance of efforts to prevent smoking during pregnancy,' he said. 'But, I must ask, do we give nitrates 15 percent of the attention we give to smoking?' An estimated 60 million Americans rely on tap water that is, unbeknownst to them, laced with nitrates. They tend to live in states and rural areas where agriculture is central to the economy, such as Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, central California, Texas, and Oklahoma. Dr Semprini added: 'Our work adds to the evidence base that the current regulatory threshold (more than 10mg/L) may be insufficient for protecting the in utero transmission of water-based nitrate during the first trimester of pregnancy.' His research was published in the journal PLOS Water. Nitrate pollution affects larger cities, as well. An analysis by the Environmental Working Group highlighted the problem in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Miami, and the suburbs of New York City. Drinking water in 43 states had nitrate levels of 3 mg/L or higher in major water systems, while 39 states had at least one large system with levels at or above 5 mg/L, according to the group's latest report. While still below the EPA's maximum safety limit, public health experts argue the standards should be stricter. When the safety limit was first established in the 1950s, scientists discovered that levels as low as 11 mg/L could cause blue baby syndrome. Blue Baby Syndrome, clinically known as methemoglobinemia, is a rare but serious condition where an infant's blood cannot carry enough oxygen, leading to a bluish skin discoloration, particularly around the lips, fingers, and toes. The most well-known cause is nitrate contamination in drinking water, which is sometimes mixed with formula. It's very rare, with fewer than 100 cases reported in the US, but it is more common in parts of the world where well water is not tested. According to former Wisconsin state toxicologist Dave Belluck, the standard was set at 10, right up to the edge of safety. 'It's akin to a cliff,' he said. 'When you're standing on the edge of the cliff, you're safe. You take one step, and it's just like the Road Runner.' But Belluck dove deeper into the research that informed safety designation, finding that some infants in the study became sick at nitrate levels nearly 30 times lower, just 0.4 mg/L. He now believes the EPA's standards should be stricter, arguing that the science clearly shows nitrates are more harmful than previously thought. Other studies on the subject have come to similar conclusions. Researchers from Nova Scotia, Canada, tracked major birth defects recorded in the area between 1998 and 2006 and found they were twice as likely in areas where drinking water nitrate levels were between 1 and 5.56 mg/L. Exposure over time to nitrates could also increase a person's risk of a variety of cancers and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified the compounds as 'probably carcinogenic to humans'. A 2008 study of women in rural Wisconsin found that women drinking water containing 10 mg/l or more were nearly three times as likely to get a deadly cancer that affects the first part of the colon. Even nitrate levels between one and 5.9 mg/l increased the risk of cancer by 1.4 times. Meanwhile, in Spain and Italy, scientists identified a connection between nitrates in drinking water and colorectal cancer. Analyzing nearly 5,400 participants, the study revealed that people who consumed more than 10 mg of nitrate per day from water – roughly equivalent to drinking two liters of water containing 5 mg/L of nitrate – had a 49 percent higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to those who drank half that amount. In Iowa, researchers uncovered links between nitrate exposure and thyroid cancer in older women. Tracking nearly 22,000 women for decades, researchers found that those who drank water with nitrate levels above 5 mg/L for at least five years faced a 2.6 times higher risk of thyroid cancer. And a long-term study of over 28,000 postmenopausal women in 2015 found that those with the highest nitrate levels in their public water supply (2.98 mg/L or above) had twice the risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to those with the lowest levels. Private well users also saw a moderately elevated risk – 1.5 times – due to agricultural runoff contaminating groundwater. In total, researchers found 315 cases of ovarian cancer over 24 years of follow-up. Nitrate is highly soluble in water, making it difficult and expensive to eliminate. Individual homes or municipal water supply systems could be fitted with reverse osmosis and ion exchange filters to remove toxins from their drinking water. Still, those are expensive and out of reach for many. In addition to stemming from agricultural run-off, leaky septic systems can release untreated wastewater containing nitrates. Landfills, factories, and food processing plants can also leach nitrates over time.
