New study links pfas-contaminated drinking water to 191% increase in infant deaths

A groundbreaking University of Arizona study examining over 11,000 births in New Hampshire has revealed alarming connections between PFAS-contaminated drinking water and severe health risks for newborns. The peer-reviewed research represents the first comprehensive analysis of how these “forever chemicals” in water supplies affect reproductive outcomes in nearby communities.

The study’s findings paint a disturbing picture of PFAS impact on infant health. Families drinking well water downstream from PFAS contamination sites faced dramatically increased risks: infant mortality rates jumped by 191%, premature births increased by 20%, and low birth weight occurrences rose by 43%. These statistics highlight the urgent public health threat posed by PFAS chemicals, which persist in the environment and human body for decades without breaking down naturally.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used in countless consumer products, from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam. Their widespread industrial use has led to extensive groundwater contamination across the United States, with millions of Americans unknowingly exposed through their tap water. The chemicals have been detected in water systems nationwide, making this New Hampshire study’s implications far-reaching.

This research adds critical evidence to growing concerns about PFAS exposure during pregnancy, when developing fetuses are most vulnerable to environmental toxins. The study’s authors emphasize that pregnant women in affected areas should seek alternative water sources and that comprehensive water testing and remediation efforts are urgently needed to protect future generations from these devastating health impacts.