Nitrate or nitrite (ingested) under conditions that result in endogenous nitrosa

tion has been classified as "probably carcinogenic to humans" by International A

gency for Research on Cancer (IARC).[31][32]
Sodium nitrite consumption has also been linked to the triggering of migraines i
n individuals who already suffer from them.[33]
One study has found a correlation between highly frequent ingestion of meats cur
ed with pink salt and the COPD form of lung disease. The study's researchers sug
gest that the high amount of nitrites in the meats was responsible; however, the
team did not prove the nitrite theory. Additionally, the study does not prove t
hat nitrites or cured meat caused higher rates of COPD, merely a link. The resea
rchers did adjust for many of COPD's risk factors, but they commented they canno
t rule out all possible unmeasurable causes or risks for COPD.[34][35]