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Epidemiology
Blue Baby syndrome or methemoglobinemia mostly affects infants under 6 months of age, although the age range it is most common in is 0 to 4 months. Infants in this age range are vulnerable because they haven't matured enough to produce methemoglobin reductase, an oxygen carrying molecule. The most at risk populations are those with private water sources. Private wells aren't regulated by the US government and therefore, if unmonitored, can have higher levels of nitrates; being hazardous to the infants. The link between Blue Baby Syndrome in infants and high nitrate levels is well established for waters exceeding the normal limit of 10 mg/L. However, there is also evidence that breastfeeding is protective in exposed populations. Its recommended to have your drinking water tested by a state certification officer if you suspect a problem, many laboratories will provide a water test free of charge. Residents of the United States can find a list of cost-free laboratories here.