Cyanobacterial (blue-green algae) contamination in drinking water and perinatal outcomes

Objective: The aim of this ecological study was to examine the relationship between potential cyanobacterial exposure through drinking water during pr egnancy and birth outcomes. Method: One hundred and fifty-six communities in South-Eastern Australia we re involved, providing 32,700 singleton live newborn during the period 1992 -94. Cyanobacterial occurrence and cell density (alert level) in drinking w ater sources during the first trimester, the total gestational period for p remature births or limited to 36 weeks in term infants, and the last 12 wee ks prior to preterm births or up to and including 36 weeks in term infants were used as estimates of exposure. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the propo rtion of time during the first trimester with cyanobacterial occurrence and the percentage of births that were low birth weight (LBW) and very low bir th rate (VLBW). Significant differences were also found among various categ ories of first trimester exposure based on average cell density and LBW, pr ematurity and congenital defects. However, the pattern of these results doe s not suggest a causal link to cyanobacteria. There were no clear dose-resp onse relationships. Analyses based on exposure during the last 12 weeks and total gestation also showed no significant dose-response effects. Conclusion: The results of this study provide no clear evidence for an asso ciation between cyanobacterial contamination of drinking water sources and adverse pregnancy outcomes.