US EditionUnseen Dangers: The Impact of PFAS on Birth Outcomes
University of Arizona study finds PFAS exposure through well water increases infant death risk by 191% and preterm birth risk by 168%, estimating $8 billion annual economic impact.
- On Monday, a PNAS paper by University of Arizona researchers reported that PFAS in New Hampshire well water is linked to worse birth outcomes among more than 11,000 mothers near 41 sites.
- Using a natural experiment, the team compared downstream and upstream wells and confirmed higher PFAS in downstream wells, as most PFAS remain in shallow soils near farms, industry and firefighting sites migrating slowly into groundwater.
- Data show large relative risks among the smallest and earliest births, with downstream wells linked to a 180% greater chance of births under 2.2 pounds and a 168% higher preterm birth rate, adding about 607 and 466 such births per 100,000.
- Economists on the team calculated annual societal costs of about $8 billion from birth-related harms, exceeding the $3.8 billion estimated annual utility cleanup cost under EPA cleanup rules, so the authors argue reproductive benefits could justify the rule.
- Practical steps include home or utility activated carbon filtration, which can remove long-chain PFAS, and Guo said, `We would expect similar things happening in other states that have similar level of contamination,` especially Maine.
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Science Alert
The Independent (US)'Forever Chemicals' in Drinking Water Linked to Increased Risk of Birth Issues
When pregnant women drink water that comes from wells downstream of sites contaminated with PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," the risks to their babies' health substantially increase, a new study found.
PFAS in pregnant women's drinking water put their babies at higher risk, study finds
When pregnant women drink water that comes from wells downstream of sites contaminated with PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," the risks to their babies' health substantially increase, a new study found. These risks include the chance of low birth weight, preterm birth and infant mortality.
Study: ‘Forever chemicals’ could cause more infant deaths and preterm births
Mothers in New Hampshire who were downstream of sites contaminated with “forever chemicals” experienced triple the rate of infant deaths and had more premature births or babies with low birth weights, according to a new study released Monday.
Unseen Dangers: The Impact of PFAS on Birth Outcomes
A comprehensive study highlights the risk posed by PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' to pregnant women and their newborns, particularly those consuming water from contaminated wells. The research found increased incidences of low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality, pressing for effective PFAS regulation and mitigation strategies.
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