Explained: How nitrate exposure in infancy impacts Indian women’s height | Explained News, The Indian Express

Explained: How nitrate exposure in infancy impacts Indian women’s height | Explained News, The Indian Express

By Express News Service |New Delhi |Updated: August 22, 2019 4:04:54 pm

Explained: How nitrate exposure in infancy impacts Indian women’s height

Nitrate pollution is caused by the overuse of nitrogenous fertilisers which, while boosting yields, can be harmful if they leach into water or air.

An infant girl who has been exposed to nitrate levels above the safety threshold in the first three years experiences a 1-2 cm decrease in her adult height, the report found. Women in the New Delhi Metro ladies compartment. Express Photo by Renuka Puri

In a new World Bank report that looks at the impact of water pollution worldwide, one aspect covered is the long-term impact of nitrate exposure experienced during infancy. While short-term exposure to nitrates has almost negligible effect on adult height, cumulative exposure over the first three years of life has considerable impact.