Chronic arsenic exposure and risk of infant mortality in two areas of Chile

Hopenhayn-Rich, C; Browning, SR; Hertz-Picciotto, I; Ferreccio C.; Peralta C.; Gibb, H

Abstract

Chronic arsenic exposure has been associated with a range of neurologic, vascular, dermatologic, and carcinogenic effects. However, limited research has been directed at the association of arsenic exposure and human reproductive health outcomes. The principal aim of this study was to investigate the trends in infant mortality between two geographic locations in Chile: Antofagasta, which has a well-documented history of arsenic exposure from naturally contaminated water, and Valparaiso, a comparable low-exposure city. The arsenic concentration in Antofagasta's public drinking water supply rose substantially in 1958 with the introduction of a new water source, and remained elevated until 1970. We used a retrospective study design to examine time and location patterns in infant mortality between 1950 and 1996, using univariate statistics, graphical techniques, and Poisson regression analysis. Results of the study document the general declines in late fetal and infant mortality over the study period in both locations. The data also indicate an elevation of the late fetal, neonatal, and postneonatal mortality rates for Antofagasta, relative to Vaparaiso, for specific time periods, which generally coincide with tbe period of highest arsenic concentration in the drinking water of Antofagasta. Poisson regression analysis yielded an elevated and significant association between arsenic exposure and late fetal mortality [rate ratio (RR) = 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.5-1.9], neonatal mortality (RR = 1.53; CI, 1.4-1.7), and postneonatal mortality (RR = 1.26; CI, 1.2-1.3) after adjustment for location and calendar time. The findings from this investigation may support a role for arsenic exposure in increasing the risk of late fetal and infant mortality.

Más información

Título según WOS: Chronic arsenic exposure and risk of infant mortality in two areas of Chile
Título según SCOPUS: Chronic arsenic exposure and risk of infant mortality in two areas of Chile
Título de la Revista: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES
Volumen: 108
Número: 7
Editorial: US DEPT HEALTH HUMANSCIENCES PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENCE
Fecha de publicación: 2000
Página de inicio: 667
Página final: 673
Idioma: English
URL: http://www.ehponline.org/ambra-doi-resolver/10.1289/ehp.00108667
DOI:

10.2307/3434889

Notas: ISI, SCOPUS