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ARS Home » Plains Area » El Reno, Oklahoma » Oklahoma and Central Plains Agricultural Research Center » Agroclimate and Hydraulics Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #419017
Research Project: Development of a Monitoring Network, Engineering Tools, and Guidelines for the Design, Analysis, and Rehabilitation of Embankment Dams, Hydraulic Structures, and Channels

Location: Agroclimate and Hydraulics Research Unit

Title: Risk of multiple forms of cancer associated with exposure to nitrates in drinking water

Author
item FRYER, KAMERIAN - University Of Missouri
item TROUT, KATE - University Of Missouri
item ALOYSIUS, NOEL - University Of Missouri
item ROTMAN, ROBIN - University Of Missouri
item Hunt, Sherry

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2024
Publication Date: 10/1/2024
Citation: Fryer, K., Trout, K., Aloysius, N., Rotman, R., Hunt, S. 2024. Risk of multiple forms of cancer associated with exposure to nitrates in drinking water. Meeting Abstract. 2024 CASFNR Research Symposium - University of Missouri Research Forum, Columbia, MO, Oct 1, 2024.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Studies have been completed showing evidence of the relationship between nitrates in drinking water sources and increased public health risk. Researchers have claimed that increased concentration of nitrates is associated with health concerns such as bladder and colorectal cancer and some reproductive issues and developmental health problems in children. In addition, evidence has linked prenatal consumption of nitrogen and nitrates to birth defects in infants. Some of these defects include neural tube defects and methemoglobinemia, a condition commonly referred to as blue baby syndrome, which affects the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Populations in rural areas face an increased risk of these health problems, especially where residents rely on private water sources that are not adequately treated or regulated. Nitrates occur naturally in biological systems through reactions such as plant decay and nitrification. However, they are also produced through human activities including sewage discharge, animal waste, and excessive chemical fertilizer use in food production systems. These human actions can accelerate the production of nitrates. Here, we perform a meta-analysis to determine the correlation between nitrates in drinking water and the risk of cancer. The main databases used to find studies were Science Direct and the International Journal of Cancer. The studies of focus included health risk analysis in the form of a cohort study or a case control study that measured the risk in the form of an odds ratio. In these cases, the odds ratio represented the probability of cancer based on the exposure to nitrates from drinking water. There were 29 studies that met the requirement of exploring the relationship between cancer and nitrates in drinking water. Of the 29 studies 9 were used for data extraction. Once the data was extracted it was organized based on nitrate concentration range, odds ratio, and author. The three ranges of concentration were 0.36-3.0, 0.23-10, and 0.45-10 mg/L of nitrates. Through analysis it was found that each range has a significant correlation to risk of cancer. The goal of this study is to explore existing evidence and determine correlation to determine if there is a need for revisions to the United States current nitrate policies. "USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."