Environmental Effects Summary Describe the cause of Jennifer Westing’s blue baby syndrome. Gizmo

The blue baby syndrome is usually caused by high nitrate levels in a baby’s drinking water. It is very important that you find the cause of the high nitrates to prevent other babies from becoming ill.

Methemoglobinemia

Explanation:

Methemoglobinemia (also known as the blue baby syndrome), is a condition with multiple etiologies which is associated with the lack of oxygen in the blood. This syndrome affects the function of red blood cells by altering the amount of hemoglobin protein, which carries and distributes oxygen to the body. Methemoglobinemia may be acquired by exposure to drugs and/or toxins. In this regard, it has been shown that high levels of nitrates in the water may induce this syndrome in infants.