Title | Testing the Limit: Evaluating Drinking Water Arsenic Regulatory Levels Based on Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Bangladesh. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2022 |
Authors | Andrews, FV, Branscum, AJ, Hystad, P, Smit, E, Afroz, S, Golam, M, Sharif, O, Rahman, M, Quamruzzaman, Q, Christiani, DC, Kile, ML |
Journal | Toxics |
Volume | 10 |
Issue | 10 |
Date Published | 10/2022 |
ISSN | 2305-6304 |
Abstract | (1) Background: Arsenic (As) is a common drinking water contaminant that is regulated as a carcinogen. Yet, As is a systemic toxicant and there is considerable epidemiological data showing As adversely impacts reproductive health. This study used data from a birth cohort in Bangladesh (2008-2011) to examine associations between drinking water As levels and reproductive outcomes. (2) Methods: Pregnant individuals ( = 1597) were enrolled at <16 weeks gestation and drinking water As was measured. Participants with live births ( = 1130) were propensity score matched to participants who experienced miscarriage ( = 132), stillbirth ( = 72), preterm birth ( = 243), and neonatal mortality ( = 20). Logistic regression was used to examine drinking water As recommendations of 50, 10, 5, 2.5, and 1 µg/L on the odds of adverse birth outcomes. (3) Results: The odds of miscarriage were higher for pregnant women exposed to drinking water ≥2.5 versus <2.5 µg As/L [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.90, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.07-3.38)]. (4) Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest a potential threshold where the odds of miscarriage increases when drinking water As is above 2.5 µg/L. This concentration is below the World Health Organizations and Bangladesh's drinking water recommendations and supports the re-evaluation of drinking water regulations. |
DOI | 10.3390/toxics10100600 |
Alternate Journal | Toxics |
PubMed ID | 36287880 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC9609177 |
Grant List | R01ES023441, P42ES016454, and R01ES015533 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States TL1TR002371 / TR / NCATS NIH HHS / United States |