We are looking at a significant public health issue. Nitrates have been shown to increase incidence of bowel cancer for example. Bowel cancer incidence is already very high in NZ compared to other countries due to our overconsumption of processed meats such as bacon which is preserved with Nitrates.
High concentrations of nitrates in drinking water can impact infant health by binding to red blood cells and making them unable to transport oxygen. This causes what is known as the blue baby syndrome and can kill children under the age of 3 months.
Local councils will be faced with increasing costs of monitoring and remediation costs as well as regulatory burdens dealing with sources of pollution for the foreseeable future. They may need to provide alternative supplies of drinking water if local supplies are polluted. This will be reflected in all of our rates. are looking at a significant public health issue. Nitrates have been shown to increase