Question

Formation of nonfunctional methaemoglobin causes blue baby syndrome. This is due to ______.

Options

• excess of arsenic in drinking water

• deficiency of iron in food

• increased methane content in atmosphere

• excess of nitrate in drinking water

Answer 1

Formation of nonfunctional methaemoglobin causes blue baby syndrome. This is due to excess of nitrate in drinking water.

Explanation:

Excess nitrate in drinking water reacts with haemoglobin and forms non-functional methaemoglobin, impairing oxygen transport. Arsenic, iron deficiency and atmospheric methane are not the cause of blue-baby syndrome.