PHOENIX — PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are commonly found in things like firefighting foams, food packaging, and near manufacturing sites. They’re dubbed “forever” because they break down slowly in the environment. We’re still learning about how they affect our health and the planet.
Mindy O’Brien, the owner of Baby Bloomers in Phoenix, sees the stress that new moms face. She helps families choose the right clothes and gear for their little ones. Recently, a study from the University of Arizona highlighted something new for expecting mothers to consider: the water they drink.
Ashley Langer, one of the researchers, stated, “We found the overall effects on infant health surprisingly large.” This study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, examined births in New Hampshire from 2010 to 2019, particularly focusing on mothers near PFAS-contaminated sites.
Co-author Bo Gou added, “There’s a clear causal relation,” emphasizing that the study was designed to isolate the effects of PFAS. Data showed that mothers living downstream from contaminated sites had higher rates of infant mortality, more preterm births, and more low-weight babies compared to those living upstream.
The health impacts are significant, with estimated social costs around $8 billion nationwide. This figure includes medical care and lost earnings due to health issues.
“Early birth outcomes and low birth weights are costly,” Langer explained. Addressing PFAS can benefit both the environment and public health.
Derek Lemoine, another co-author, remarked, “The costs of cleaning up PFAS are real, but they are less than the health costs from exposure.” To reduce risks, experts recommend using carbon filters for drinking water.
As awareness grows, it’s clear that PFAS are a serious concern. Keeping informed and taking action can make a difference for families now and in the future. For more information on PFAS, you can visit the EPA’s guide here.
Source link
azfamily,phoenix news,University of Arizona,U of A study,Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,PFAS study,PFAS in drinking water
