Of course no one can diagnose you over the Internet, but I have found
some very interesting information for you.
Potassium nitrate (also known as KNO3, saltpeter, or saltpetre) is a
very common ingredient in toothpastes. There is some controversy over
its effectiveness in treating sensitive teeth and gums, and there are
also indications that serious medical problems may possibly be
attributed to the use of this chemical.
"Even though it is considered 'non-toxic' by the US FDA, ingesting
quantities of potassium nitrate may not be a good idea. There is
evidence that the use of nitrates/nitrites in foods can cause cancer.
In fact, some countries have banned their use in food, and others are
considering such a ban. It has been found that heating protein in the
presence of nitrate or nitrite (e.g. frying bacon) creates
nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. Demographic studies indicate a
dramatic increase in colorectal cancer occurred in the mid-1800s when
the use of nitrates/nitrites became widespread in meat processing. I
understand that tobacco companies added KNO3 to cigarette tobacco to
make them burn more steadily, perhaps contributing to their
carcinogenicity.
There is also a concern that bacteria in the stomach can convert
potassium nitrate into the more toxic potassium nitrite. Nitrite
oxidizes the iron in hemoglobin to create methemoglobin which cannot
carry oxygen as normal hemoglobin does. Some methemoglobin is normal,
but excessive conversion of hemoglobin causes methemoglobinemia."
Personal Page of James Yawn
http://www.jamesyawn.com/rcandy/safety.htm#exposure
"POTASSIUM NITRATE...
Chronic Exposure: Under some circumstances methemoglobinemia occurs in
individuals when the nitrate is converted by bacteria in the stomach
to nitrite. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, rapid heart beat, irregular
breathing, convulsions, coma, and death can occur should this
conversion take place. Chronic exposure to nitrites may cause anemia
and adverse effects to kidney."
Mallinckrodt Baker, Inc. Material Safety Data Sheet
http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/p5950.htm
"Potassium nitrate (saltpetre), preservative, colour fixative. May be
derived from waste animal or vegetable matter. Also used in gunpowder,
explosives and fertilisers, and in the preservation of meat. may
provoke hyperactivity and other adverse reactions; potentially
carcinogenic; use is severely restricted in many countries."
Ethical Consumption: for People, Animals & Planet
http://homepage.powerup.com.au/~kkaos/add.html
"Saltpeter has a long history of medical use. It and other nitrates
were employed by doctors during the 18th century to treat such varied
problems as asthma, sore throats, and arthritis. Not that it was used
wisely for these purposes, however -- physicians were far less
knowledgeable in those days, and potassium nitrate's hazards were not
understood as well as they are now. Saltpeter can be toxic in large
quantities. It can cause anemia, methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder),
headache, stomach upset, dizziness, kidney damage, and can raise one's
blood pressure to a dangerous level. It is thus strongly recommended
against, and no one in his right mind would dose himself or anyone
else with it."
Snopes.com
http://www.snopes.com/military/saltpetr.htm
Search terms used:
sensodyne
potassium nitrate
kno3
saltpeter
saltpetre
safety
dangers
methemoglobinemia
Please keep in mind that the material above is for informational
purposes only; Google Answers is not an authoritative source of
medical advice. I urge you to consult a physician if you are concerned
that potassium nitrate may have affected your health. You may want to
point out to your doctors the possible connection between potassium
nitrate and methemoglobinemia.
I hope this is useful. If anything I've said is unclear, or if any of
the links do not function, please request clarification before rating
my answer; I'll be glad to offer further assistance.
Best wishes,
pinkfreud |
