Citation
Hoffman, Caroline S.; Mendola, Pauline; Savitz, David A.; Herring, Amy H.; Loomis, Dana P.; Hartmann, Katherine E.; Singer, Philip C.; Weinberg, Howard S.; & Olshan, Andrew F. (2008). Drinking Water Disinfection By-Product Exposure and Fetal Growth. Epidemiology, 19(5), 729-737.Abstract
BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that elevated exposure to drinking water disinfection by-products (DBPs)-in particular, total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)-may lead to fetal growth restriction. We examined the effects of exposure to TTHMs, haloacetic acids, and total organic halide on the probability of delivering a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infant and on birth weight at term.METHODS: Women early in pregnancy (RESULTS: Haloacetic acids and total organic halide were not associated with SGA or term birth weight. The probability of delivering an SGA infant was elevated when comparing women with an average third-trimester residential TTHM concentration >/=80 mug/L to women with exposure <80 mug/L (risk ratio = 2.0 [95% confidence interval = 1.1-3.6]), but not when examining other exposure contrasts. Bayesian analyses did not support a consistent association between any DBP species and fetal growth, although these analyses were based on small sample sizes.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not suggest an adverse effect of haloacetic acid or total organic halide exposure on fetal growth. An association of TTHM with SGA was seen only for average residential concentrations above the current regulatory standard.
URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/EDE.0b013e3181812bd4Reference Type
Journal ArticleYear Published
2008Journal Title
EpidemiologyAuthor(s)
Hoffman, Caroline S.Mendola, Pauline
Savitz, David A.
Herring, Amy H.
Loomis, Dana P.
Hartmann, Katherine E.
Singer, Philip C.
Weinberg, Howard S.
Olshan, Andrew F.