“Cut down ‘outdated’ nitrate limit in drinking water, health and environmental groups tell WHO”

Key points

• 85 organisations signed an open letter urging WHO to revise nitrate standards.
• Current WHO limit dates from 1958 and targets blue-baby syndrome.
• New evidence links low-level nitrate exposure to colorectal cancer and birth issues.
• Danish expert panel suggested reducing to 6.0 mg/L; Denmark began implementation.
• Groups urge global policy reform and alignment with national health standards.