Nitrite in Alcohol: A Turnabout from an Accidental to a Homicidal Case

The nitrates/nitrites are an important metabolite in the biological nitrogen cycle, and natural constituent of soil and vegetation. Nitrates in commercial use are all of synthetic origin. Nitrite poisoning in fatal cases is commonly seen as an occupational hazard in farmers who use nitrates as fertilizers, pesticides and in this region of Rajasthan (Sanganer) in the dye industry, where it is used as mordent of dye. Dyeing, including block painting is a method which imparts beauty to the textile by applying various colors on to a fabric. Dyeing of Sanganeri Printed Cloth is by use of natural vegetable colors. But with change of times, synthetic products have found their way into the dyeing process. It is estimated that 25% population of Sanganer is directly or indirectly dependent on Sanganeri Print Industries for their livelihood. In this particular case that is discussed here, it was the easy availability of the lethal compound for its use in household dye industries that led to its homicidal use. The mordents used to set dye colour on fabrics to give it, its longevity, curtailed the longevity of life of someone.