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.