In a new study, nitrate levels well below the EPA limit for drinking water were associated with an increased risk of premature birth and low-birthweight babies.
Even low levels of nitrate, a common drinking water contaminant, may increase the risk of premature birth, a new study warns.
Researchers say water nitrate levels far below the current EPA maximum may also lead to low-birthweight babies.
Nitrate is a naturally occurring compound found in many fertilizers and through runoff in groundwater. When consumed by humans, researchers say it can interfere with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
To look at the potential effects on pregnancy outcomes, they linked more than 350,000 birth records filed in Iowa from 1970 –1988 to local nitrate measurements taken within 30 days of conception.
The results showed early prenatal exposure to greater than .1 milligrams of nitrate per liter of water – or just 1% of the current EPA limit — was associated with an increase in preterm birth.
And early prenatal exposure to greater than 5 milligrams per liter – about half the EPA limit — was associated with an increased risk of low-birthweight babies
Lead author Jason Semprini of the Des Moines University College of Health Sciences says the EPA limit for nitrates in water does not consider prenatal exposure and has not been updated since 1992.
He says, “Ignoring the potential harm from lower levels of prenatal nitrate exposure, the current regulatory standards are not adequately protecting America's mothers or children.”
He says more research using data from additional states and sources, like private wells, could strengthen these findings.
Source: PLOS Water
Author Affiliation: Des Moines University College of Health Sciences
Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Leave a Reply