Question

Blue baby syndrome is due to the presence of which of the following in the blood ?

  1. Haemoglobin
  2. Methemoglobin
  3. Lead
  4. Nitrate

Answer:

Option B: Methemoglobin

Detailed Solution:

The correct answer is “Methemoglobin”.

Blue Baby Syndrome occurs when methemoglobin levels in the blood increase, reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin.

This condition is typically caused by high levels of nitrate contamination in drinking water, which converts normal hemoglobin into methemoglobin.

As a result, oxygen delivery to the body's tissues is impaired, leading to a bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis).