Hazardous Weather; Regional Weather Conditions; Past Weather Information; Interactive Forecast Map; Home
When we eat nitrates, they are converted into nitrites in our digestive system, which are then converted to ammonia and disposed of by the body. Nitrites are also inorganic compounds made up of nitrogen and oxygen, but instead of three oxygen molecules they have two, NO2. Nitrates are not generally harmful unless they are consumed in massive quantities. Nitrites, on their own and in moderation, are also generally not harmful.
Nitrate (NO3-) is composed of the elements oxygen and nitrogen, and is an important source of nitrogen for plant and animal life; but too much nitrate in drinking water can be harmful to human health.