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PFAS Water Taint Linked to Severe Birth Risks
9 Dec
Summary
- PFAS in drinking water tied to 191% infant mortality increase.
- Study links contaminated wells to 43% rise in low-weight births.
- PFAS cleanup costs $3.8bn; societal harm costs $8bn annually.
A groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Arizona on over 11,000 births in New Hampshire has established a probable link between PFAS-contaminated drinking water and severe harm to newborns. The research indicates that consuming well water down-gradient from PFAS-contaminated sites is associated with a 191% increase in infant mortality, a 20% rise in premature births, and a 43% increase in low birth weight.
These findings were surprising to the study's authors, who noted the significant effects detected even with relatively small numbers of adverse outcomes. The study also conducted an economic analysis, concluding that the upfront costs of addressing PFAS water pollution are substantially lower than the long-term societal costs, which are estimated at nearly $8 billion annually in increased healthcare expenses and lost productivity.
PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' are linked to numerous serious health issues and are widely present in the environment, often originating from industrial sites and firefighting foam. While previous research has raised concerns, this study's unique methodology in New Hampshire, leveraging natural randomization, provides stronger causal evidence of PFAS's toxicity at low concentrations.
