摘要：Intoxications with nitrates are monitored by using a specific biomarker, methemoglobin (MeHb). Methemoglobin (MeHb) is hemoglobin (Hb) containing oxidized iron (rather than oxygenate). Normal hemoglobin contains four iron atoms in the ferrous state (Fe + 2). If, iron ions lose an electron and are oxidized to ferric (Fe + 3), it can no longer bind oxygen. Therefore, methemoglobin reduces the oxygen transport capacity and reduces the release of oxygen into the tissues. Observations took place over a period of 4 years; the average of the recorded cases was 9.5 per year. The mean age of children (months) was 2.2, the mean methemoglobin (%) being 32.6. The lethal threshold of nitrates and nitrites varies according to age, rapid intake of food and water. Nitrates and nitrites are primarily used as fertilizers for cultivated plants, but also have negative effects on infants through the disease called "cyanosis", namely the blue color of the skin, especially the lips. The data show that the use of methemoglobin as a biomarker is welcome.
关键词：Biomarker; methemoglobin; nitrates; children toxicity
