Risk of Birth Defects Linked to Brominated Disinfection By-products in Perth
Author Information
Author(s): Kimberley Chisholm, Angus Cook, Carol Bower, Philip Weinstein
Primary Institution: The University of Western Australia
Hypothesis
Is there a relationship between exposure to brominated trihalomethanes in drinking water and the incidence of birth defects in Perth, Australia?
Conclusion
Women living in areas with high levels of trihalomethanes showed a statistically significant increase in the risk of birth defects.
Supporting Evidence
- Women in high-TTHM areas had a 22% greater risk of any birth defect.
- Cardiovascular birth defects were 62% more likely in high-TTHM areas.
- High levels of brominated trihalomethanes were found in Perth's water supply.
- Statistical analysis adjusted for maternal age and socioeconomic status.
Takeaway
If you live in a place where the water has a lot of certain chemicals, it might make it more likely for babies to be born with problems.
Methodology
The study analyzed water samples from 47 locations and compared birth defect rates in relation to trihalomethane exposure levels using logistic regression.
Potential Biases
Potential exposure misclassification due to the ecological design and lack of individual-level exposure assessment.
Limitations
The study used residential TTHM levels to assign exposure, which may misclassify individual exposure due to residential mobility.
Participant Demographics
The study included births from 2000 to 2004 in Perth, with varying maternal ages and socioeconomic statuses.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Confidence Interval
1.01–1.48
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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