Blue baby syndrome cause – UGC NET Question

Blue baby syndrome arises when nitrate contaminated water is ingested by infants and converted to nitrite in the body. Nitrite oxidises haemoglobin to methemoglobin,which cannot carry oxygen effectively. The resulting condition is called methemoglobinemia. Thus the medical term in option B correctly matches the syndrome described.

Option A:
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterised by wheezing and breathlessness. It is associated with allergens and air pollution but not specifically with nitrate contaminated water. Therefore it is not the correct answer.

Option B:
Methemoglobinemia causes reduced oxygen delivery to tissues and can result in bluish discoloration of skin,especially in babies,leading to the common name “blue baby syndrome”. Because the stem directly links nitrates in water to this outcome,this term is accurate.

Option C:
Fluorosis arises from long term ingestion of excessive fluoride in water or food,leading to dental or skeletal problems. It does not produce the acute cyanosis associated with blue baby syndrome,so it is not appropriate for the blank.

Option D:
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust,primarily affecting miners and construction workers. It has no connection with nitrate pollution of drinking water.