What primary health risk does the presence of nitrites pose to infants?

The presence of nitrites poses a primary health risk of oxygen deprivation in infants due to a condition known as methemoglobinemia, sometimes referred to as "blue baby syndrome." Nitrites can convert hemoglobin in the blood into methemoglobin, which is unable to effectively carry oxygen. As a result, the infant may experience reduced oxygen levels in the bloodstream, leading to symptoms such as a bluish tinge to the skin, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. This condition is particularly concerning in infants because they are more susceptible to the harmful effects of nitrites, which can be found in contaminated water or improperly processed foods.

In contrast, dehydration, infection, and malnutrition do not directly correlate with nitrite exposure in the same way. While these are significant health concerns for infants for various reasons, they are not the primary risk associated with nitrite ingestion. The specific mechanism of nitrite conversion of hemoglobin makes oxygen deprivation the critical health issue that must be addressed when considering the effects of nitrites on this vulnerable population.