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Blue Baby Syndrome: Adverse effect of excessive spraying of agrochemicals and chemical fertilizers. |
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The cultivation and production of food for man?s consumption has been improved through different technologies. The development of fertilizers to boost food production as well as the use of pesticides and herbicides to curb pest and weed infestations are one of the greatest breakthroughs.
However, In developing countries, little attention is paid to the regulation of the usage of these chemicals and fertilizers to conform to acceptable standards. This has led to the pollution of adjacent groundwaters in areas where they have prominent use.
Methaemoglobinemia: a disease mostly affecting Infants, who may seem healthy, but show signs of blueness around the mouth, hands, and feet, hence the common name ?blue baby syndrome?. These children may also have trouble breathing as well as vomiting and diarrhoea. In extreme cases, there is marked lethargy, an increase in the production of saliva, loss of consciousness and seizures. Some cases may be fatal and leading to death. According to World Health Organisation on water sanitation and health, Methaemoglobinaemia is caused by the decreased ability of blood to carry vital oxygen around the body. One of the most common causes is nitrate in drinking water. It is most important in bottle fed infants and water from wells in rural areas is of special concern. Controlling nitrate levels in drinking water sources to below around 50mg/litre is an effective preventive measure.
The disease is majorly caused by the contamination of groundwater by leaching of nitrate generated from fertilizer and chemicals used in agricultural lands, waste dumps or pit latrine. Research has related the syndrome to nitrate concentration in drinking water of areas with intense farming and agrochemical practices or where nitrate is naturally occurring in abundance. The Pediatrician Environmental Health Sanitation Units (PEHSU), University of Washington, has listed these tips to reduce exposure and risk of contamination. Use water from public water supplies, water that has been tested and approved, or bottled water. Test your well water for nitrates to ensure it is safe to drink. Do not use nitrate-contaminated well water to make baby formula or to make baby food. Do not let your baby drink nitrate-contaminated water. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, do not drink nitrate-contaminated well water. Breastfeeding is a safe practice even if the mother drinks water contaminated with nitrates. |
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9 Comments
Olamide, thanks for informing us about a new syndrome called 'blue baby syndrome' it's my first time hearing. I hope people be more conscious about the possible aftereffects that these chemicals have. Thanks for sharing and have a great day!
Posted 18-08-2016 00:43
It is frustrating how little care and almost no control cause so many innocent people to be harmed. Like many of other friends here, I'm also new to this syndrome. I hope more campaigns and instruments can be handed out to the people who do not have access to clean water. Thanks for bringing this up, cheers!
Posted 17-08-2016 14:33
Thank you all for your wonderful comment. I personally hope to channel a research through groundwater contamination very soon. Arushi, Joshua, Perfect Koka, Xilola and Saika you guys are the best!
Posted 16-08-2016 04:42
@Perfect koka, that's a great comment. Water is life!
Posted 15-08-2016 03:47
Thank you for the advice. This is an educational report. Ive never heard about this syndrome before, thank you
Posted 15-08-2016 00:34
Thank you for sharing this important information about blue baby syndrome. It is a matter of regret that many people around the world, can't get safe water to drink.
Posted 14-08-2016 00:52
Great writting... Nitrates are one of the many causes of methaemoglobinemia, a condition affecting the oxygen carrying ability of our red blood cells in the body. Farming near waterbodies where fertilizers are used can cause poisoning of waterbodies, and we must therefore advocate the use of safe water. Water is life!
Posted 13-08-2016 02:52
This is my first time hearing this syndrome - very informative article. Thank you & I enjoyed reading it.
Posted 13-08-2016 02:40
Thanks for educating us about 'Blue baby syndrome'. I hadn't heard of it . The use of nitrate-contaminated drinking water, seems to have real adverse effects on infants. Prevention is better than cure so people especially pregnant ladies must take care to avoid drinking un-treated water. I hope local health authorities and municipalities swing into action and do something to control the situation before it becomes too late. Thanks again for spreading awareness through this forum.
Posted 13-08-2016 00:48