Aluminium sulphate in water in north Cornwall and outcome of pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the excess aluminum sulphate accidentally added to the local water supply in north Cornwall in July 1988 had an adverse effect on the outcome of pregnancies.


METHODS
Outcomes of all singleton pregnancies in the affected area at the time of the incident (n = 92) were compared with those in two control groups: pregnancies in this area completed before the incident (n = 68) and pregnancies in a neighbouring area (n = 193).


METHODS
Mothers in the three groups, among whom there were 13 miscarriages, five terminations of pregnancy, and 336 live births.


METHODS
Fetal and perinatal loss, birth weight, gestation, obstetric complications, neonatal condition, and congenital defects.


RESULTS
Among 88 pregnancies in women exposed to excess aluminum sulphate there was no excess of perinatal deaths (n = 0), low birthweight (n = 3), preterm delivery (n = 4), or severe congenital malformations (n = 0). There was, however, an increased rate of talipes in exposed fetuses (four cases, one control; p = 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Because of small numbers it is not possible to say that high doses of aluminum sulphate are safe in pregnancy, but there is no evidence from this study of major problems apparent at birth.
Golding
J
J
Institute of Child Health, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Bristol.
Rowland
A
A
Greenwood
R
R
Lunt
P
P
D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology*; D000534:Alum Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000139:chemically induced; D005532:Foot Deformities, Congenital / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014881:Water Supply
D000534:Alum Compounds; C041524:aluminum sulfate