[Methemoglobin level and morphology of the blood in children from the State Children's Home in Gda'nsk-Oliwa].

Blood methemoglobin levels and blood cell counts were carried out in 64 children of the State Children's Home is Gdańsk-Oliwa. An excessive consumption of nitrites and nitrites leading to the increase in methemoglobinemia and anaemia observe in the previous studies stimulated the present investigations. Methemoglobinemia was detected in 14.1% of children together with marked anaemia especially in the youngest children. The authors suggest that partial elimination of nitrites and nitrates from the diet and periodical analysis of the drinking water and food seem necessary.