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nitrates

  • The Environmental Protection Agency has set a federal standard for nitrates in water of 10 parts per million. Some researchers – and families – are concerned that standard isn't low enough.
    Nitrate levels are often higher in the rural Midwest. How does this affect health?
    Recent studies have found elevated levels of nitrate in drinking water correlates with health issues like cancer and thyroid disease — even below what current federal standards deem as safe. But health research necessary to take federal action is slow-going, and some environmental health experts are concerned officials aren’t acting fast enough.