Question

The blue baby syndrome results from
A. Excess of dissolved oxygen
B. Excess of TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)
C. Excess of chloride
D. Methaemoglobin

Answer 1

Hint: The blue baby syndrome is a type of condition which develops in some newly born babies or in their infant stage. In this condition their entire body tends to turn bluish purple, which is termed as cyanosis. The color change is noticeable in the regions where the skin is thin, like nails, earlobes, and lips.

Complete answer:
• Due to excess dissolved oxygen hypoxia occurs in the cells. This condition occurs when the tissues, organs and cells get exposed to higher levels of oxygen than the partial pressure. Thus, option [A] is incorrect.

• Due to the excess of total dissolved solids the taste of water changes. Excessive TDS makes the water brackish, bitter, or salty. Thus, option [B] is incorrect.

• Due to excess chlorine in the human's breath causes a fluid buildup in the lungs, this condition is termed as pulmonary edema. If the human gets in contact with the compressed liquid form of chlorine then it could cause frostbite of the eyes and the skin. Thus, option [C] is incorrect.

• Methaemoglobin is the main reason due to which a baby causes blue baby syndrome. It is caused when the baby drinks the formula which is made from nitrate rich water or the contaminated water. The hemoglobin present in the blood combines with these nitrates which forms methaemoglobin.
Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: In adults the methaemoglobin causes many diseases. Some of the diseases are kidney failure which requires dialysis, gastritis, ulcers, or genetic deposition. The symptoms of blue baby syndromes are difficulty in breathing, lethargy, seizures and many others.