What contaminants can produce acute health effects?

Nitrate and nitrite are known for their potential to produce acute health effects, especially when ingested in water at high levels. These compounds can interfere with the ability of blood to carry oxygen, leading to a condition called methemoglobinemia, commonly known as "blue baby syndrome" in infants. This condition can be especially dangerous for young children and pregnant women, making the presence of high levels of nitrates and nitrites in drinking water a significant public health concern.

While chlorine and fluoride do have health effects, they are typically associated with long-term exposure or are regulated in ways that minimize acute health risks at permissible levels. Similarly, aluminum and phosphates do not generally produce acute health effects in typical potable water concentrations. Ozone and sulfur dioxide can have acute health effects as inhalants, mainly affecting respiratory health, but they are not commonly associated with drinking water contaminants compared to nitrates and nitrites.