Part of the Water Wisdom Seriesfor

Home Inspectors

by:

Scott J. Bradley

Home Inspectors and NitriteNitrite (NO2), is a form of nitrogen that is

considered by the USEPA (Environmental Protection Agency), to be a Primary contaminant.

That means it is considered a threat to human health.

The USEPA maximum contaminant level (MCL), for nitrite is 1.0 mg/L (milligrams per liter, or one part per million).

Nitrite Ion» picture courtesy: www.chemistry.wustl.edu

Where does Nitrite come from?

Why are Home Inspectors Concerned about Nitrites in Drinking Water?Adults don’t have too much problem with small

amounts of nitrites in their drinking water.Nitrite attaches to hemoglobin, and can

prevent or reduce the amount of oxygen the hemoglobin carries.

If a pregnant woman ingests too much nitrite, a condition called, “methemoglobinemia” – or

“Blue-Baby” Syndrome can occur in a fetus which can be life threatening.

Home Inspectors Sampling for Nitrite in Drinking Water

When sampling for nitrite in drinking water, let the cold water run for 3-5 minutes, or until the temperature has stabilized.

Collect at least 50 mLs. in a suitable plastic container, usually supplied by the testing lab.

Be sure to use a lab the is accredited for analyzing nitrite in drinking water.

Nitrate samples should be kept cool (4-6 C.) during transport to the lab, and must be analyzed within 48 hours from collection time to be valid.

Nitrite Contamination in Drinking Water

Drinking water that is contaminated with high levels of nitrite is not considered potable.

Nitrite can be filtered out by reverse osmosis, but the best solution is to remove the source of contamination.

I send inquiries about filters and filtration products to the National Sanitation Foundation.

As a Professional Home InspectorYou now know these things about Nitrite…

The molecular structure: two oxygen to one nitrogen

The EPA designation and MCL of 1.0 mg/LCommon sources of nitriteWhy it is dangerous to healthHow to sample and transport a nitrite sample to a

labHow to filter and where to go for more filtration

info.

Home Inspector Series: Nitrite

I hope you enjoyed this issue of Water Wisdom for Home Inspectors, brought to you as a courtesy learning tool from Scott J. Bradley at Aquacheck Lab.

http://www.aquacheck-vt.com

1-800-263-9596