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PFAS in Water Linked to Devastating Birth Outcomes
9 Dec
Summary
- PFAS exposure in drinking water increases risks for low birth weight and preterm births.
- Study shows significant rise in infant mortality linked to PFAS-contaminated well water.
- PFAS reproductive health impacts cost society billions annually in medical bills and lost earnings.
New research has uncovered a significant link between PFAS exposure in drinking water and adverse birth outcomes. Pregnant women consuming water from wells downstream of "forever chemical" contaminated sites experienced a dramatically higher chance of their babies being born with low birth weight, preterm, or even not surviving their first year.
This study utilized a natural experiment in New Hampshire, comparing birth data from wells upstream versus downstream of known PFAS contamination. The findings indicated clear evidence of harm, with "downstream" well users facing substantially increased risks for extreme birth outcomes.
The economic implications are substantial, with billions estimated annually in societal costs due to PFAS-related low birth weight and preterm births. These findings underscore the critical need for regulations and water treatment to protect public health, particularly for pregnant individuals.
