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New study shows birth defect rates higher near mountaintop mining sites
June 22, 2011NEW STUDY SHOWS BIRTH DEFECT RATES HIGHER NEAR MOUNTAINTOP MINING SITES
An important new study conducted by Dr. Melissa Ahern at Washington State University, Dr. Michael Hendryx and other researchers at West Virginia University finds significantly higher rates of birth defects in mountaintop removal coal mining (MTM) areas compared to non-mining areas in Appalachia, for six of seven types of defects.
Their paper, titled “The Association between Mountaintop Mining and Birth Defects among Live Births in Central Appalachia, 1996-2003” is now available online in Environmental Research on June 21, 2011.
“This study shows that places where the environment – the earth, air and water – has undergone the greatest disturbance from mining are also the places where birth defect rates are the highest,” said Dr. Ahern. “This is evidence that mountaintop mining practices may cause health impacts on people living in those areas, before they are even born.”
The study was based on analysis of over 1.8 million birth records between 1996 and 2003 in central Appalachia. Prevalence rates were higher in mountaintop mining areas compared to non-mining areas for circulatory/respiratory, central nervous system, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and ‘other’ types of defects. Spatial correlation between mountaintop mining and birth defects was also present, indicating that MTM activity in one county may have increased birth defect prevalence rates in surrounding counties.
The study showed that mountaintop removal mining effects became more pronounced in the latter years of the study (2000-2003) vs. earlier years (1996-1999).
Co-author Dr. Michael Hendryx said, “This study extends previous research on low birth weight and on adult morbidity and mortality in coal mining areas, and offers one of the first indications that health problems are disproportionately concentrated specifically in MTM areas. It’s significant not only to people who live in coalfields but to policy makers as well.”
Health care providers in Appalachia expressed alarm at the report’s findings. “This is the most disturbing research that I’ve yet seen on the effects of mountaintop removal. It means that our mountain children are affected by the poisoned streams and polluted air even before they are born,” said Beverly May, a nurse practitioner serving in eastern Kentucky. “Our children deserve a better chance at life.”
Paper's authors include: Melissa M. Ahern, Michael Hendryx, Jamison Conley, Evan Fedorko, Alan Ducatman and Keith J. Zullig
The paper abstract can be read at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935111001484. To obtain a copy of the paper or to talk with the authors and other experts familiar with the work, please write amy@sciencecom.org or call Emily at 202-463-6670.