chemicals that contain a nitrogen and oxygen atom (NO) that are made from nitrates by microbes in the gut or soil. Nitrates provide the nitrogen content in fertilizer. Obviously, farm animals can be poisoned by eating fertilizer and even plants that have been over-fertilized. These are poisonous because they bind to hemoglobin and keep it from carrying oxygen in the blood. In large enough concentrations, nitrites and their reaction products can promote cancer. See http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwh/c-ioc/nitrates.html for information on nitrites/nitrates in drinking water.

As a food additive, chemicals used in combination with salt to impede the growth of the bacterial spores that cause botulism. Nitrites are also used as preservatives and flavor and color enhancers.

Sodium nitrites are allowed for use in the curing process of further-processed turkey products, such as ham or frankfurters. Smaller quantities of sodium nitrites can be used to achieve faster curing as well as desired development of flavor and color. Nitrites are added in parts per million (ppm) and are used to lengthen shelf life, ensure against the development of botulism and retard the development of rancidity during storage. The FDA has ruled nitrite use in the curing process is safe and potential risks are outweighed by known benefits. See also CURED.

A special class of inhalants that act primarily to dilate blood vessels and relax the muscles. Whereas other inhalants are used to alter mood, nitrites are used primarily as sexual enhancers. (See also amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite).

Chemical preservatives used in meats, various processed foods and, because they are known to dilate blood vessels, they can cause headaches in some people.

A family of relaxant drugs heavily used by gay men after 1960. Nitrites are oxidising agents that cause cellular anoxia and impair cell-mediated immune response. They are also mitogenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic, and may interact with common substances, such as antihistamines, to produce toxic N-nitroso compounds.