Our member utilities will continue to take such steps consistent with the important requirements to maintain adequate disinfection. Further, if pregnant women feel uncomfortable in any way with the findings of the study, we recommend they consult their personal physician for advice. Our 54,000 members include scientists, engineers, environmentalists, public health experts, educators and water managers throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Is Broadcast To Millions Of Readers Worldwide. The heightened risk is linked to exposure to a contaminant found in chlorinated water in a majority of municipal water systems nationwide.
Chlorine helps purify water and prevents bacterial infections.
TTHMs have been associated with increased cancer risk, at least in animals, and federal regulators have limited the amount allowed in drinking water. The study, led by California health department investigators Kirsten Waller and Shanna Swann, examined the records of 5,144 pregnant women from the Fontana, Santa Clara and Walnut Creek areas. The study, which will be published in the Feb. 18 issue of the journal Epidemiology, found that women who drank five or more glasses of tap water per day with at least 75 micrograms per liter of TTHMs had an increased risk of miscarriage. Their risk was calculated at 15.7 percent, compared with 9.5 percent among women who received low exposure. Only about 2 percent of the women were exposed to the highest risk levels, meaning they consumed five or more glasses with at least 75 micrograms per liter.