Nitrite refers to a class of chemicals such as sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite, and calcium nitrite. Nitrite can interfere with the ability of human and animal red blood cells to carry oxygen, if excessive consumption can lead to systemic hypoxia, ** and mucous membranes appear different degrees of blue and purple, severe cases of irritability, listlessness, unresponsiveness, loss of consciousness, convulsions, coma, respiratory failure and even death, this is nitrite poisoning.
Nitrite poisoning occurs every year, and nitrite is the most poisoning and fatal chemical, 02 grams can cause poisoning, and poisoning occurs quickly, symptoms can appear 10 minutes after consumption, death can occur within 2 hours, the speed and severity of poisoning are related to the amount of nitrite consumed. Methylene blue is a specific antidote to nitrite poisoning, and depending on the severity of the poisoning, the need for methylene blue detoxification and the required dose are determined.
Prevention of nitrite poisoning
The main points should be as follows
Nitrite poisoning is mainly caused by accidental ingestion, because nitrite is a white powder that looks very similar to table salt, and can easily be used as table salt, thus causing poisoning; Secondly, due to the non-standard operation of food practitioners and the use of non-strict accordance with the specified dosage, the nitrite content in the food is too high, which causes poisoning; In addition, nitrite is widely found in nature, and spoiled vegetables and leftovers may contain high nitrites, which can also cause poisoning if eaten in large quantities.
Sodium nitrite and potassium nitrite are food additives (used as color protectors and preservatives) allowed by China's food safety standards to keep food good appearance and proper shelf life, but because nitrite is more likely to cause food poisoning, it must be used in strict accordance with the prescribed dosage for meat food, and sodium nitrite and potassium nitrite shall not be used in excess or beyond the range.
Strengthen the management of nitrite, and shall not make and sell nitrite in violation of regulations; The catering industry should strengthen its own management and shall not purchase, preserve and use nitrite in violation of regulations; Strengthen publicity, do not consume ** unknown condiments and additives; Vegetables should be properly preserved, and rotten vegetables should not be eaten; Leftovers should be stored properly and consumed as soon as possible, not for a long time.
In the event of poisoning, immediately stop eating the suspicious food and seek medical attention promptly. Depending on the severity of symptoms, symptomatic ** and methylene blue ** are given. People who have eaten the same food but have not become ill should also take measures such as vomiting as soon as possible.
Review: Guo Yunchang, an expert of the National Health Science Popularization Expert Database and a researcher of the National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment.
Curator: Tan Jia, Wang Ning.