Maternal Exposure to Nitrate in Drinking Water Found to Cause Birth Defects

A recent report published in the Current Environmental Health Reports reviewed the link between birth defects and maternal exposure to nitrate in drinking water. The report examined several studies published since 2000 that indicated birth defects in offspring may be associated with maternal drinking water exposure to nitrate. The report highlighted that mothers exposed to contaminated drinking water are more likely to give birth to babies with defects like oral clefts, neural tube defects, and limb deficiencies.

Nitrates occur naturally in mineral deposits, soils, seawater and freshwater systems, the atmosphere, and in regional plant life. The level of nitrate in well water may be related to well location. Sources of nitrate include agricultural run-off, leaching from septic tanks (sewage), and erosion of natural deposits. Unlike public water supplies, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not regulate drinking water from private wells.

“It is important for anyone consuming water from a well to test the water regularly for contaminants,” said Eric Ciotti, Business Development Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The EPA recommends testing well water annually for contaminants such as nitrate, total coliform bacteria, and pH levels. It is also recommended that expecting mothers test their drinking water during the early months of pregnancy, before bringing the baby home, and during the first six months of the newborn’s life.”

EMSL Analytical, Inc. created a Drinking Water Test Kit based upon the Federal Housing Authority’s (FHA) and Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ (VA) minimum panels for drinking water contaminants. The kit tests for nitrate and nitrite, along with other drinking water contaminants such as lead, total coliform, and E. coli. For more information about the Drinking Water Test Kit, please visit http://www.WaterTestKitEMSL.com.  

To learn more about drinking water contaminants or other environmental, occupational, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

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