A University of Arizona-led team published a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showing measurable infant health harms from PFAS contamination in groundwater. Using all births in New Hampshire from 2010–2019, the researchers compared mothers who received water from wells downstream of PFAS sites with otherwise comparable mothers who used upstream wells. The downstream group had higher infant mortality in the first year, more preterm births (including births before 28 weeks), and more babies with very low birth weight (including under 2.2 pounds).
The study focuses on two long-chain PFAS, PFOA and PFOS, which are no longer produced in the United States but persist in soils and continue to percolate into groundwater. By extrapolating the New Hampshire results to the contiguous US, the authors estimate social costs of at least $8 billion each year for newborns; this total includes medical expenses, lasting health impacts and lower lifetime earnings.
The authors argue that cleanup and regulation could produce substantial health and economic gains. Coauthor Derek Lemoine says removing PFAS from drinking water improves health and provides long-term economic benefits. Coauthor Ashley Langer notes the study expands prior findings and that the economic estimates are likely conservative. The team also points out that activated carbon filters can remove these long-chain PFAS and that installing and maintaining home water filters may be prudent for pregnant women.
- Study: New Hampshire births, 2010–2019
- Main chemicals: PFOA and PFOS
- Estimated cost: at least $8 billion per year
Difficult words
- contamination — presence of harmful substances in an environment
- groundwater — water located under the earth's surface
- mortality — number of deaths in a group
- preterm — birth that happens before full pregnancy term
- percolate — move slowly through soil or small spaces
- extrapolate — extend results to a larger group or areaextrapolating
- activated carbon — material used in filters to trap chemicals
- social cost — money lost by society because of a problemsocial costs
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- The authors say cleanup and regulation could bring health and economic gains. What factors should governments consider when deciding to fund PFAS cleanup?
- The study suggests home water filters may be prudent for pregnant women. What are possible benefits and limitations of this advice in your local area?
- The authors call their economic estimates likely conservative. How might higher or lower cost estimates affect public opinion or policy decisions?
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