Assessment of nitrate and nitrite contamination in herbal tea products

Dynamic Chiropractic

关键词: Herbal tea;    nitrates;    nitrites;    contamination;    methemoglobinemia;    United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA);    WHO.;   

DOI  :  10.5897/JMPR12.013

学科分类：医学（综合）

来源: MPA Media

【 摘 要 】

Herbal tea products, are used for medicinal purposes for infants, yet do not fall under strict regulations, like drugs. Herbal tea products, may lead to a cure, but under certain conditions may lead to serious health problems, due to over dosage, heavy metal contamination and presence of other contaminants and active ingredients. This research investigated the nitrate and nitrite contamination of herbal tea products sold in the market, as exceeding the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) permissible levels, could lead to serious health problems such as methemoglobinemia and cancer. This research indicated that some samples exceeded the permissible US EPA levels (10 mg/L nitrate-nitrogen and 1 mg/L nitrite-nitrogen), while other samples showed high levels but did not exceed the set standard limits, and in others no contamination was detected. This research presented important information about the contamination of herbal tea products and calls for stricter regulations for this industry, as these products are used as drugs but do not fall under strict drug regulations. Accordingly, this will ensure a safer product for our children and better health conditions.

【 授权许可】

Unknown