No Association Between Unintentional Head Injuries and Early-Life Exposure to Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)-Contaminated Drinking Water.

OBJECTIVE: Because of emerging evidence that early-life exposure to the solvent tetrachloroethylene (PCE) has long-lasting neurological consequences, we examined the risk of unintentional head injuries following prenatal and childhood exposure to PCE-contaminated drinking water.

METHODS: Participants provided information on head injuries and other relevant characteristics in a self-administered questionnaire. Exposure to PCE was modeled using a leaching and transport algorithm set in water system modeling software.

RESULTS: We did not observe any evidence of an increased risk of any type of head injury among exposed participants.

CONCLUSIONS: PCE is a widespread water pollutant. Thus, documenting possible health effects of early-life exposure is vital for ensuring that drinking water regulations adequately protect vulnerable populations.