Question

Methemoglobinemia is due to:

• A. Excess of nitrate concentration in drinking water
• B. Excess of sulphate concentration in drinking water
• C. Excess of fluoride concentration in drinking water
• D. Excess of lead in drinking water

Hint:

Methemoglobinemia is commonly linked to nitrate-contaminated well water, especially dangerous for infants. - Treatment often involves reducing agents such as methylene blue.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Definition of Methemoglobinemia

• Methemoglobinemia (sometimes called “blue baby syndrome”) arises when hemoglobin is oxidized to methemoglobin, which cannot effectively carry oxygen.

Step 2: Role of Nitrates

• High nitrate levels in drinking water, especially in infants, lead to the formation of methemoglobin in the blood.
• Sulphates, fluorides, or lead do not typically trigger methemoglobinemia; they cause other disorders.

Hence, excess nitrate in drinking water is the primary cause of methemoglobinemia.