Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The study explored the relationship between prenatal exposure to arsenic in public water and birth outcomes within the U.S. It evaluated this exposure through data from the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) cohort, focusing on birth outcomes like low birth weight, preterm birth, and small for gestational age (SGA). The study aimed to determine the effects of public water arsenic exposure, which in some regions is below the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 μg/L. The findings suggest that even at concentrations below the MCL, prenatal exposure to arsenic in public water is linked to negative birth outcomes.
Who is affected?
This research primarily impacts individuals who rely on public water systems for their drinking water during pregnancy, particularly in areas where arsenic concentrations are elevated but still below the EPA’s current MCL. It highlights a broader concern for pregnant individuals in various socio-economic and racial/ethnic groups, especially those in rural and disadvantaged communities, where water arsenic levels tend to be higher. Pregnant people, particularly those in communities with regulated public water systems, are the key exposed population. Furthermore, specific racial and ethnic subgroups, such as Hispanic/Latino and Black birthing parents, may face heightened vulnerability due to disparities in water quality and access to public health interventions.
Most important findings
The study found a consistent association between higher prenatal arsenic exposure and adverse birth outcomes, including lower birth weights and a higher likelihood of low birth weight, even at concentrations below the MCL of 10 μg/L. Specifically, each 1 μg/L increase in prenatal public water arsenic was linked to a 3% increase in the risk of low birth weight and a 5% increase for concentrations of 5 μg/L. This association was stronger among Black and Hispanic/Latino birthing parents. The study also found that prenatal exposure to arsenic was correlated with reduced birth weight and lower birth weight for gestational age z-scores.
Despite the EPA’s MCL of 10 μg/L, findings suggest that this standard may not sufficiently protect against the risks of low birth weight and preterm birth, especially for specific racial and ethnic groups. These results suggest that current water standards could be inadequate in preventing adverse health outcomes, thus warranting reconsideration of the MCL for arsenic.
Key implications
The implications for public health are significant, indicating that exposure to even low levels of arsenic from public drinking water can negatively impact birth outcomes. This evidence strengthens the case for lowering the MCL for arsenic in drinking water and suggests that more comprehensive monitoring and intervention strategies are necessary to protect vulnerable populations. From an industry perspective, there is a growing need for enhanced water quality monitoring, especially in rural and underserved communities. Policy changes may result in stricter regulations, requiring more proactive water testing and the development of household-level filtration programs.
Citation
Nigra, A. E., Bloomquist, T. R., Rajeev, T., Burjak, M., Casey, J. A., Goin, D. E., Herbstman, J. B., Van Horne, Y. O., Wylie, B. J., Cerna-Turoff, I., Braun, J. M., McArthur, K. L., Karagas, M. R., Ames, J. L., Sherris, A. R., Bulka, C. M., Padula, A. M., Howe, C. G., Fry, R. C., . . . Kress, A. M. (2025). Public Water Arsenic and Birth Outcomes in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Cohort. JAMA Network Open, 8(6), e2514084. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.14084
Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid that ranks first on the ATSDR toxic substances list. Inorganic arsenic contaminates water, rice and consumer products, and exposure is linked to cardiovascular disease, cognitive deficits, low birth weight and cancer. HMTC’s stringent certification applies ALARA principles to protect vulnerable populations.
