Why Is Sodium Nitrite Bad for You?
Sodium nitrite is a type of salt. It is used in food as a preservative, especially in cured meats such as hotdogs, sausage and luncheon meats.
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Benefits
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Nitrite helps meat not to spoil or develop botulism. It also helps with keeping the flavor and color of the meat. The U.S. Department of Agriculture limits it to 200 parts per million in food.
Sodium Intake
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If you are on restricted sodium or salt intake, sodium nitrite, baking soda, baking powder, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and other salts should be decreased along with regular table salt.
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Dose
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Sodium nitrite is labeled by the FDA as safe at low levels. However, the fatal dose is between 22 to 23 mg per kg of body weight, or approximately 0.00078 ounces per 2.20 pounds. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, loss of oxygen in the blood (cyanosis) and coma.
Cancer
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There is no research proving that sodium nitrate causes cancer. A study by the National Toxicology Program found no cancer-causing response in a study with rats and mice. Richard A. Scanlan, Ph.D., of the Linus Pauling Institute, says there are indications that it may be carcinogenic but at normal doses, current research is unable to prove it.
Exposure
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Contact with sodium nitrite can cause irritation to skin and eyes. It can cause irritation to the respiratory tract if inhaled.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Michael Johnson
