Organic-solvent water pollution and low birth weight in Michigan

Journal Article · · Social Biology; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/19485565.1992.9988803· OSTI ID:7111799

Witkowski, K M; Johnson, N E ^[1]

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1. Department of Sociology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park (United States)

This pilot study explored the association between a measure of water pollution caused by benzene or chlorinated solvents and the incidence of low birth weights for white residents of Michigan counties. A positive relationship between water pollution by these contaminants and the per cent of low-weight births (less than 2,500 grams, or about 5.5 pounds) resulted despite controls for the incidence of teenaged childbearing, infrequent prenatal care, and mean household income from wages or salaries. Water pollution showed an association with the incidence of low birth weight that was as strong as that between low birth weight and low prenatal care. While correlation cannot prove causation, the finding suggests that impure water may impair fetal growth in Michigan.

• OSTI ID: 7111799
• Journal Information: Social Biology; (United States), Journal Name: Social Biology; (United States) Vol. 39:1-2; ISSN 0037-766X; ISSN SOBIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540320* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
560300 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AGE GROUPS
CHILDREN
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
FETUSES
INFANTS
MICHIGAN
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC SOLVENTS
POLLUTION
PREGNANCY
SOLVENTS
TERATOGENESIS
USA
WATER POLLUTION
WEIGHT