A new study has linked hydraulic fracturing with low birth weight, according to The New York Times.Scientists studied almost 16,000 live births in southwest Pennsylvania, categorizing mothers by their proximity to sites where fracking was taking place. The study found that babies born in high exposure areas were 34% more likely to be small for their gestational age. The study’s author’s suggested that liquids used in the drilling process may be contaminating local air and water, leading to smaller babies.
The scientists found no link between fracking and premature births. During the study, researchers controlled for factors such as mother’s age, race, prenatal care, and smoking during pregnancy.