Even low levels of nitrates-a general agricultural runoff and drinking water for contaminating, is associated with the rising risks of children of birth and low birth, according to a new study published in June 25 Plos water By Jason Semaprini of Des Moines University College of Health Sciences, US.

Nitrate is a naturally occurred compound found to be rapid in inorganic fertilizers and, through runoff, in groundwater. When consumed by humans, nitrates can interfere with blood capacity to carry oxygen. Since 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a maximum contaminated level for water-based nitrates at 10mg/l.

To evaluate potential reproductive risks, Semprani analyzed 357,741 birth records from Iowa from 1970 to 1988, connected each birth to the county-level nitrate measurements taken within 30 days of conception. During the period of study, nitrate levels increased an average of 8% per year, with an average risk of 4.2 mg/L.

After controlling for maternal and ancestral characteristics as well as seasonal differences, the study found that the current EPA limit 0.1mg/l nitrate-just for more than 1%initial delivery associated with pre-exposure risk-east increase (est. =+0.66%-I; CI = 0.31, 1.01) infants (Est. 0.33%-0.33%-13%-33%-1 CI = 0.03, 0.63). No additional risk was given from exposure to high levels of nitrate above 10 mg/L.

The author explains that the data is limited to the realm, focusing only on one state. More recent data, as well as data from additional states and sources, such as private wells, can improve the strength of the association.

“Our work adds to the evidence base that the current regulatory limit (> 10mg/l) may be insufficient to protect the transmission in the uterus of water-based nitrate during the first trimester of pregnancy,” says Semaprini. He concluded that the current standards, unchanged since 1992, may need to be re -required as the level of nitrate in ground water has been increasing across the US.

He adds: ,There is no safe level of prenatal nitrate exposure, “and goes to the state:”

SEMPrini also notes: “The regulatory limit for nitrates in public water does not consider prenatal risk and has not been updated since being established in 1992. While ignoring the possible damage from the lower levels of the prenatal nitrate exposure, the current regulatory standards are not sufficiently protecting America’s mothers or children.”