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Study Links PFAS in Water to 191% Infant Mortality Spike

12/8/2025

Summary

Story summary

The University of Arizona study finds that PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in drinking water markedly raises newborn risks among 11,000 births in New Hampshire.
The study records a 191% increase in infant mortality.
It also notes increases in pre-term and low-weight births.
It estimates nearly $8 billion in annual healthcare costs from PFAS exposure, versus $3.8 billion for cleanup, and calls for stricter PFAS regulations amid the safety debate.

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Story summary

The University of Arizona study finds that PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in drinking water markedly raises newborn risks among 11,000 births in New Hampshire.
The study records a 191% increase in infant mortality.
It also notes increases in pre-term and low-weight births.
It estimates nearly $8 billion in annual healthcare costs from PFAS exposure, versus $3.8 billion for cleanup, and calls for stricter PFAS regulations amid the safety debate.