Nitrites are chemicals widely used as preservatives for meat and as anti-microbial agents in other food. They are commonly available as sodium, potassium, or ammonium salts. Nitrites are also abundant in the environment and are naturally occurring in some fruits and vegetables. Nitrates (-NO −3 ) on the surface of food can become nitrites (-NO −2 ) by the action of the bacterial enzyme nitrate reductase. Nitrates and nitrites are water soluble, and the presence of both forms can be minimized by washing food. Peeling the skin from vegetables and blanching them also minimizes nitrate/nitrite ingestion risk. Sodium nitrite as a pharmaceutical can be used to treat cyanide poisoning (Hope Pharmaceutical Sodium Nitrite Injection).Volatile products containing nitrites such as amyl nitrite have been used recreationally as inhalants for a euphoric effect during a state of mild hypoxia. Common exposure to small amounts is harmless.However, nitrites are able to oxidize the iron in hemoglobin from Fe +2 to Fe +3 yielding MetHb, and thereby reducing the oxygen-carrying capability of the blood. As such, when purposefully ingested in large amounts, nitrites can be fatal.

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