Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Birth Defects May Be Tied to Pesticide Levels

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 6, 2009 2:52 PM CDT

(Newser) – Babies conceived between April and July—the period when surface-water concentrations of pesticides are at their highest—run an increased risk of having a birth defect, Reuters reports. “Our study didn't prove a cause and effect link,” the lead researcher said, but “the fact that birth defects and pesticides in surface water peak during the same four months makes us suspect that the two are related.”

“If our suspicions are right and pesticides are contributing to birth defect risk,” he continued, “we can reverse or modify the factors that are causing these lifelong and often very serious medical problems.” Birth defects like cleft lip and spina bifida affect around 3% of newborns in the US. While certain risk factors, like smoking during pregnancy, have been identified, scientists continue to search for other environmental causes.

Surgeons correct a birth defect on a toddler.
Surgeons correct a birth defect on a toddler.   (AP Photo)
A crop dusting plane.
A crop dusting plane.   (AP Photo)
A baby found to have a congenital heart defect.
A baby found to have a congenital heart defect.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Observer
Apr 6, 2009 9:09 AM CDT
Pesticides are harmless. Just ask Dow Chemical.

More Newser Stories

Pregnant Women in 50s Do Just Fine

Pesticide Exposure in Womb May Lower IQ

Phone App Predicts Chance of IVF Success

Blood Type O May Hurt Fertility

Pregnant Women Also Watch TV for 2


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne