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Researchers tell New Hampshire commission that PFAS‑contaminated wells are linked to higher infant mortality and low birth weight
Summary
A University of Arizona team told the New Hampshire commission their linked‑data analysis finds mothers served by drinking‑water wells downgradient of PFAS sites face substantially higher risks of infant mortality and low birthweight; presenters described sensitivity checks and urged further research and data sharing.
A team presenting to the New Hampshire Legislative Study Commission on Feb. 13 said their analysis shows large relative increases in adverse birth outcomes among mothers served by public wells that are hydrologically downgradient of PFAS‑contaminated sites.
"PFAS‑contaminated drinking water harms infants," Robert, a lead author on the paper, told commissioners, summing up the study’s title and central finding. Using New Hampshire birth records (2010–2019) linked to Department of Environmental Services well locations and PFAS testing, the team compared births served by downgradient wells to those served by wells that are hydrologically ‘upgraded’ (control wells whose catchments do not include contaminated sites). The presenters said the comparison helps address common confounders in prior work.
In baseline specifications the presenters reported that a mother served by a downgradient well…
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