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Does nitrite cause childhood cancers or leukaemia?

No, there is no credible scientific evidence that nitrite or cured foods cause or contribute to childhood cancers or leukaemia. At one time, epidemiological reports associating these factors garnered much media attention. However, these studies had limitations, mixed findings and, as all epidemiological studies, could not prove cause and effect.

Evidence from animal studies of the biological plausibility of nitrite causing childhood cancers is too limited to give weight to the epidemiological reports.