Fertilizers are mainly known to be beneficial for the production of crops and for making way for a bountiful harvest. But more people need to pay attention to their potentially harmful effects on human health.

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What Nitrates Are

Sometimes, one could pick fruit directly from a branch and eat it. Not anymore in the era of industrial agriculture. Today we need to produce food in such quantities that the traditional way to grow it doesn't work anymore. Food often gets nearly poisoned with various fertilizers. Nitrate salts appear in food when the plant cannot metabolize fertilizers entirely, and some substances remain unprocessed.

Nitrates (NO3) are chemicals used in fertilizers and rodenticides (to kill rodents). They are naturally-occurring compounds that are a metabolic product of microbial digestion of wastes containing nitrogen, for example, animal feces or nitrogen-based fertilizers. Sodium and potassium nitrates are used as fumigants in canisters, which are placed underground in rodent dens and holes, and then ignited to explode and release gasses that kill the rodents.

Nitrates are chemical compositions that devastate the nervous, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, and other internal organs. They are especially dangerous for young children who have not yet formed their enzyme system.

U.S. Standards for Nitrates Levels

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)has set an enforceable standard called a maximum contaminant level (MCL) in water for nitrates at ten parts per million (ppm) (10 mg/L). The norm in water consumed by individuals, according to EPA/FDA is up to 3.7 milligrams (mg) nitrate ion/kilogram (kg) body weight. The reference dose (RfD) in food is 1.6 mg nitrate-nitrogen/kg body weight per day (equivalent to about 7.0 mg nitrate ion/kg body weight per day) [EPA 2002; EPA 2012].

Conventional Ways to Measure Nitrates Levels

How can you ensure that the food on your table doesn't contain these dangerous substances? Testing is the answer, but what testing method can you choose? Conventional chemical testing with nitrate-sensitive stripes has its limitations—the test kits are pricey; they have limited shelf life and are not very precise. You will need to carry a couple of boxes of them for every occasion, but the chances that you meet your deadly watermelon with empty pockets are high.

Measuring with Colbo

Colbo is a better way to avoid harmful chemicals in your greens and vegetables. The device is equipped with a convenient and precise sensor to determine nitrate amounts for almost any fruit or vegetable you choose. Make sure to peel or cut the fruit to measure the nitrate contents of the edible part, not the outer shell, etc. Fully insert the electrodes and hold your device firmly as it tests your veggies. You can add your favorite veggies to the Favorites List for quicker access.

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