What is a potential health impact of high nitrate levels in drinking water?

High nitrate levels in drinking water are known to pose significant health risks, particularly leading to methemoglobinemia, often referred to as "blue baby syndrome." This condition primarily affects infants under six months old and occurs when nitrates are converted to nitrites in the body. These nitrites can then bind to hemoglobin in the blood, impairing its ability to carry oxygen. As a result, affected infants may develop symptoms such as a bluish tint to the skin, difficulty breathing, and other serious health issues due to inadequate oxygenation.

Understanding the specifics of high nitrate exposure highlights its potential danger in terms of water quality and the importance of monitoring and controlling nitrate levels to protect public health, particularly among vulnerable populations like infants. While other options mention severe health issues or diseases, they do not directly relate to the specific impacts of nitrate exposure in drinking water as methemoglobinemia does. Hence, recognizing methemoglobinemia as the correct answer underscores a critical area of concern in the management of drinking water safety.