Nitrate is formed naturally when nitrogen combines with oxygen or ozone and is essential for all living things. However, high levels of nitrate in drinking water can be dangerous to health, especially for infants and pregnant women. Sources of nitrate that can enter groundwater include fertilizers, septic systems, animal feedlots, industrial waste, and food processing waste.
This session will explore the health impacts of nitrate exposure in drinking water. Panelists will describe how nitrate enters groundwater and who is at risk for exposure, followed by a summary of the current state of knowledge related to nitrate exposure and human health. Following this, panelists will describe specific concerns related to nitrate and public health in Nebraska. Finally, the panel will describe the best practice for communicating with the public about nitrate and other environmental risks to human health.
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