[Hydrogeology and medicine in the approach to health problems linked to nitrates: examples in Lorraine]

An investigation carried out by French Ministration of Agriculture (S.R.A.E.L.) has worked out an inventory and defined the nitrate amount evolution in waters, specially originated with underground formations, stared out by collectivities. The investigation spreading has brought about some ascertainment in Lorraine country. Particularly, the "Laboratoire d'hygiène et de recherche en santé publique" has so identified in a commune near Nancy, where nitrate amounts in water are particularly high, gastrointestinal troubles probably caused by minor methemoglobinemias which water supply origin have not been locally suspected. This note so shows that medical and paramedical corps cooperation with administrative authorities charged with water resource can attempt some interventions: better diagnosis, population and mayors information, search of technical and administrative settlements according to local environment.