MAINE, USA — A study on PFAS exposure during pregnancy reveals what researchers call a clear and alarming risk: a dramatic increase in infant mortality and extreme preterm births among mothers exposed to the so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water.

The findings are particularly relevant in Maine, where PFAS contamination has impacted dozens of farms and rural communities in recent years. Much like New Hampshire—where the study was conducted—many Mainers rely on private wells and live near sites where wastewater sludge was spread as fertilizer.

The research team from the University of Arizona, including Derek Lemoine—economics professor and codirector of the Consortium for Environmentally Resilient Business—and Bo Guo—hydrology and atmospheric sciences associate professor—studie

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