Sodium nitrite

Cured meats; corrosion inhibitors and manufacturing (dyes, chemicals); and can form in drinking water when nitrate is converted by bacteria [1][4].

Eating processed meats; drinking or making infant formula with contaminated well water; workplace inhalation/skin contact with powders or solutions; accidental ingestion from mislabeled containers [1][3][4].

Symptoms include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, bluish skin; severe poisoning can be fatal. Ingested nitrite under conditions that create nitrosamines is probably carcinogenic (IARC Group 2A) [1][2].

Infants under 6 months; pregnant people; those with anemia, heart/lung disease, or enzyme deficiencies; and workers in meat curing or chemical production [1][3].

Limit processed meats; test private wells for nitrate/nitrite and use certified treatment or alternative water if elevated; store and label chemicals securely; follow workplace controls, PPE, and hygiene [1][3][4].