Historical exposure to arsenic in drinking water and risk of late fetal and infant mortality - Chile 1950-2005
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Date
2014
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Abstract
A previous study comparing two Chilean cities demonstrated significant increase in fetal mortality in relation to increase in arsenic (As) exposure. Our aim was to confirm this association increasing size and variation of the comparison group, extending the time interval and measuring additional potential confounders. We used time series analysis of infant mortality indicators. We confirmed the clear excess of risk of late fetal death following the increase of the As concentration in drinking water, and the rapid return to the baseline mortality rate in response to the removal of arsenic after 1973. The effect was lower for neonatal and post-neonatal mortality. This study confirms that fetus is more sensitive to As and that regulations should consider additional protection for pregnant women and small children.
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Keywords
Arsenic, Potable water, Time series analysis