Hazards of Nitrites to Humans

Nitrites refer to industrial salts that are harmful to humans and are not safe for consumption. They possess strong oxidizing properties; if ingested accidentally, they oxidize ferrous hemoglobin (Fe²⁺) in the blood to ferric hemoglobin (Fe³⁺), rendering hemoglobin incapable of oxygen transport and thereby causing hypoxia-induced poisoning. Moreover, nitrites can react with amines in the body to form carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds (nitrosamines). Long-term ingestion of nitrites significantly increases the risk of cancers, particularly in the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract.