Nitrites are chemical compounds with a nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms. They are found in vegetables, meats, and fertilizers. Nitrites can be toxic in large doses as they react with hemoglobin, causing oxygen deprivation. However, they can also be used in medicine and as preservatives in the food industry. Sodium nitrite is commonly used in meat curing and protects against bacterial growth. Nitrites can also be vasodilators and used as an antidote for cyanide poisoning.
Nitrites are naturally occurring chemical compounds that include a nitrogen atom bonded to two oxygen atoms as part of their molecular structure. They are closely related to nitrates, which include one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms. Examples include sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite and ammonium nitrite. Although these compounds are toxic to humans when ingested in large doses, small amounts can be used in medicines and as preservatives in the food industry.
Nitrates and nitrites, which can be chemically converted into each other, occur naturally in vegetables and meats and can be metabolized by humans under normal circumstances. Plants require nitrates as a nutrient, so nitrates are also a common component of fertilizers. Problems from overconsumption of nitrates or nitrites most often occur when one of these compounds leaks into a drinking water supply. Very large doses of nitrites can become toxic.
The toxicity of nitrites is due to the ability of these compounds to react with hemoglobin, the substance present in the blood that carries oxygen throughout the body. Nitrites cause hemoglobin to become a substance called methemoglobin, which is less able to release oxygen. The lack of oxygen that results from the excessive consumption of nitrites can cause symptoms such as dizziness, headaches or even loss of consciousness in the most severe cases.
Nitrite-based pesticides exploit the potentially toxic effects of nitrites on living organisms. Ammonium nitrite and sodium nitrite are both used as pesticides, and despite the danger high doses pose to humans and animals, some nitrite compounds are also used as medicines. For example, the interaction of methemoglobin formed from nitrites and the cyanide poison results in a non-toxic compound called cyanomethemoglobin. Nitrites can therefore be used as an antidote for cyanide poisoning.
Nitrite compounds can also be vasodilators, substances that cause blood vessels to dilate. This happens when they are converted into nitric oxide, a molecule with one nitrogen atom and one oxygen atom. Vasodilation may be medically beneficial in treating heart disease and lowering blood pressure by allowing more oxygen-carrying blood to pass through dilated veins.
Sodium nitrite is one of the most commonly encountered nitrite compounds due to its widespread use as a meat curing agent. In curing, a small amount of the compound is added to table salt, spices, and other miscellaneous flavorings that are applied to the meat. The cured meat is often smoked to enhance its flavour. Nitrite is responsible for the pink color of preserved smoked meats and protects the meat from rancidity and bacterial growth.
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