Question

Assertion (A): Excess of nitrates in drinking water are harmful for infants.

Reason (R): Nitrates are responsible for the 'blue-baby syndrome'.

Options

• Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true, and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.

• Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true, but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.

• Assertion (A) is true but reason (R) is false.

• Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are false.

Answer 1

Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true, and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.

Explanation:

Excess nitrate can form non-functional methaemoglobin, which reduces oxygen transport. This causes blue-baby syndrome and makes nitrate-contaminated water especially dangerous for infants.