What are effects of chemical fertilizers on human health?

The toxic chemicals found in fertilisers can be absorbed into the plants and enter the food chain via vegetables and cereals, although the biggest health risk is when the chemicals seep into the ground water which is then extracted for drinking water. This water can contain high levels of nitrates and nitrites and have been known to cause blue-baby syndrome (methemoglobinemia) and can also lead to miscarriage in pregnant women. Mercury, lead, cadmium and uranium are some of the toxic heavy metals that have been found in fertilisers and can cause distrubances of the kidneys, lungs and liver and cause cancer - depending on how much has been consumed!