Link Between Low-Level Arsenic Exposure in Drinking Water and Adverse Birth Outcomes

Recent research conducted by Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health highlights the potential risks associated with exposure to even low levels of arsenic in public drinking water. The study found that pregnant women consuming water with arsenic levels below the federal safety limits still faced increased chances of delivering preterm infants, infants with lower birth weight, or babies who were smaller than expected for their gestational age. These findings emphasize that current safety standards might not be sufficient to fully protect maternal and infant health.

The investigation analyzed data from nearly 14,000 mother-infant pairs, estimating arsenic exposure by integrating water quality information with participants' residential histories. Notably, the study did not directly measure arsenic levels in individual water samples, but rather used environmental and residential data for exposure estimation.

The published research, titled "Public water arsenic and birth outcomes in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes Cohort," appears in the journal JAMA Network Open. While the U.S. EPA’s maximum contaminant level for arsenic is set at 10 micrograms per liter, this study suggests that even lower levels may have significant health implications.

Arsenic naturally occurs in certain soils and rocks, and industrial activities can contribute to its presence in water supplies. Since most Americans rely on public water systems, these findings indicate that efforts to further reduce arsenic concentrations could benefit infant health nationwide.

The study also revealed disparities among different racial and ethnic groups. Black, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations showed higher susceptibility to adverse outcomes, such as low birth weight and preterm birth. Black infants, in particular, faced heightened risks of early delivery and reduced growth.

Anne Nigra, Ph.D., an expert in Environmental Health Sciences, explained that reducing arsenic in public water sources might be a critical step toward improving birth outcomes. The research underscores the importance of reevaluating water safety standards and implementing stricter measures to safeguard maternal and infant health.

Published on June 16, 2025, this study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that even minimal arsenic exposure may have significant health risks. Protecting vulnerable populations from environmental toxins remains vital for public health.

Source: medicalxpress.com