Which disease in children is caused by intensive use of nitrate fertilizer

Options

A. Septal defects in heart
B. Methaemoglobinaemia
C. Mumps
D. (1) and (2) both

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks which disease in children is caused by the intensive use of nitrate fertilizer. We need to identify the disease from the provided options.

2. **Analyzing the Options**: The options given are:
- A) Septal defects in heart
- B) Methemoglobinemia
- C) Mumps
- D) Both 1 and 2 (Septal defects and Methemoglobinemia)

3. **Linking Nitrate Fertilizer to Diseases**: Nitrate fertilizers, when used excessively, can lead to health issues, particularly in children. One of the known effects of high nitrate levels is the conversion of hemoglobin to methemoglobin.

4. **Defining Methemoglobinemia**: Methemoglobinemia is a condition where the hemoglobin in the blood is oxidized to methemoglobin, which cannot effectively carry oxygen. This condition can result from high levels of nitrates in drinking water, often due to agricultural runoff.

5. **Evaluating Other Options**:
- **Septal defects in heart**: This is a congenital condition and not directly linked to nitrate exposure.
- **Mumps**: This is a viral infection and unrelated to nitrate fertilizer use.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the disease caused by the intensive use of nitrate fertilizer in children is **Methemoglobinemia**.

7. **Final Answer**: The correct answer is **B) Methemoglobinemia**.

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