A recent study has revealed a startling connection between contaminated drinking water and infant mortality rates, shedding light on the potential dangers of PFAS chemicals. The research, conducted by the University of Arizona, analyzed 11,000 births in New Hampshire and uncovered alarming findings.
The study found that infants exposed to PFAS-contaminated well water experienced a staggering 191% increase in mortality rates, along with a 20% rise in pre-term births and a 43% increase in low-weight births. Moreover, the study highlighted a 168% increase in extremely premature births and an 180% increase in extremely low-weight births. These findings have left researchers and experts in awe, as they expected a more modest impact given the relatively low rates of infant mortality and pre-term births.
The study also attempted to quantify the economic burden of PFAS contamination. By extrapolating the findings to the entire US population, the authors estimated a nearly $8 billion negative annual economic impact, primarily due to increased healthcare costs and lost productivity. In contrast, the cost of complying with current regulations for removing PFAS from drinking water is estimated at about $3.8 billion, making it a more cost-effective solution.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of at least 16,000 compounds used to make products resistant to water, stains, and heat. Often referred to as 'forever chemicals,' they persist in the environment and have been linked to severe health issues, including cancer, kidney disease, liver problems, immune disorders, and birth defects. These chemicals are widely used across various industries, and industrial sites that utilize them in high volumes often contaminate groundwater.
Military bases and airports are significant sources of PFAS pollution due to their use in firefighting foam. The federal government estimates that approximately 95 million people across the country drink contaminated water from public or private wells. Previous research has raised concerns about the impact of PFAS exposure on fetuses and newborns, but the question remains whether these studies can be directly applied to humans.
The new study's unique approach lies in its ability to isolate the effect of PFAS itself, rather than confounding factors. Researchers identified 41 sites in New Hampshire contaminated with PFOA and PFOS, two common PFAS compounds, and used topography data to determine groundwater flow. They then examined reproductive outcomes among residents living downstream from these sites.
New Hampshire was chosen for its availability of PFAS and reproductive data. Well locations are confidential, so mothers were unaware of the potential contamination, creating a randomization that allowed for causal inference. The study's methodology is rigorous and highlights the toxic nature of PFAS at very low concentrations.
The findings raise important questions about the state's responsibility to inform and protect mothers at risk. While the study's limitations include unknown exact exposure levels and the presence of other contaminants, it provides a compelling picture of PFAS's effects. Water treatment plants and consumers can employ granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis systems to remove PFAS and other contaminants.
The Biden administration has implemented limits on six types of PFAS in drinking water, allowing utilities time to install necessary systems. However, the Trump administration is moving to remove these limits, which could result in higher costs for the public in the long run. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing PFAS contamination to prevent further harm to vulnerable populations.
