Even low levels of nitrate salts-a common agricultural runoff and infectious drinking water-are associated with increased risks of premature birth and low gravity, according to a new study published on June 25 on June 25 Water by Jason Semprini at the University of Des Moines College of Health Sciences, USA.
Nitrate is a natural compound that is increasingly found in inorganic fertilizers and, through runoff, in groundwater. When consumed by humans, nitrates can interfere with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. Since 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a maximum level of pollutants for water -based nitrate at 10mg/l.
To evaluate the potential risks of breeding, Semprini analyzed 357,741 Iowa Birth Records extending to 1970 to 1988, linking each birth with nitrate measurements at the prefecture level within 30 days of arrest. During the study period, nitrate levels increased on average 8% per year, with an average exposure of 4.2 mg/l.
After checking for maternal and paternal characteristics as well as the seasonal variant, the study found that premature prenatal exposure to more than 0.1 mg/L nitrate-only 1% of the current EPA limit associated with the chair-growing increase (EST =+0.66% of points, birth. Babies (est. =+0.33%-points, ci = 0.03, 0.63). There have been no additional risks attributed to exposure to increased levels of nitrates, above 10 mg/l.
The author points out that the data is limited to the scope, focusing only on one state. The latest data, as well as data from additional states and sources, such as private water, could improve the power of the Union.
“Our work adds to the documentation base that the current regulatory threshold (> 10mg/l) may be inadequate to protect the water -based transmission during the first trimester of pregnancy,” Semprini says. Concludes that current standards, unchanged since 1992, may need to be re -examined as nitrate levels in groundwater continue to grow in the US
Adds: “There is no safe level of prenatal nitrate exposure, “and continues in the situation:”[t]He estimates that the impact of prenatal exposure to nitrate reflects 15% of the damage from prenatal exposure to smoking cigarettes. I do not want to reduce the importance of trying to prevent smoking during pregnancy … but I have to ask, do we give nitrates 15% of the attention we give to smoking? ”
Semprini also points out: “The regulatory threshold for nitrates in public water does not consider the prenatal report and has not been informed since it was founded in 1992.
Source:
Magazine report:
Semprini, J., (2025) Early prenatal exposure to nitrate and birth results: Study of Iowa’s public drinking water (1970-1988). Water. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pwat.0000329.
