Congenital Heart Defects in Babies Connected to Proximity with Oil and Gas Areas

The occurrence of congenital heart defects in babies has been linked to pregnant mothers living in close proximity to oil and gas well sites. A new study conducted by researchers at the Colorado School of Public Health came to the following conclusion:

Children born to mothers who live a relatively short distance from oil and natural gas well sites with intense operational activity are 40 to 70% more likely to experience congenital heart defects than those who live in locations that are less active.

Congenital heart defects (CHDs)

The most commonly occurring type of birth defects in the U.S. are congenital heart defects (CHDs). It is also the top cause of death as a result of birth defects. Infants born with one or more CHDs have a less likely chance to survive, are more vulnerable to brain injury, and are more likely to suffer from developmental issues. The four types of CHDs are: pulmonary artery and valve defects (PAVDs), aortic artery and valve defects (AAVD), conotruncal defects (CTDs), and tricuspid valve defects (TVDs).

The Colorado study

The journal Environmental International published a study in June 2019 that looked at the occurrence of births of infants having CHD and maternal nearness to oil and gas well site operations. The study was conducted in Colorado where 6% of 17 million individuals (at a minimum) in the United States live within a one-mile proximity of an active oil and gas well site – a site that was started after the year 2000. The national rate of CHDs is 8.1 per 1000 births. The state of Colorado’s CHD rate is 18.9 per 1000 births, more than twice the national rate.

The study revealed evidence of a positive connection between nearness to O&G well site activities and the development of various types of CHDs. This was shown particularly true in rural areas and other areas having high air pollution density sources not linked with O&G operations.

Well pollutants and hazardous oil

A number of environmental risk factors have been linked with CHDs, including when pregnant mothers are exposed to hazardous air pollutants such as diesel exhaust, benzene, and nonchemical stressor. Maternal residences that are in close proximity to O&G well activity are also exposed to certain common hazardous air pollutants such as toluene, benzene, and xylenes.

According to animal models, it only takes one environmental exposure in the early stages of pregnancy to precipitate the onset of CHD. Teratogens are other hazardous air pollutants that emanate from well sites – these are factors or agents that affect the malfunction of the embryo and have been known to affect the placenta.

If you suspect your baby has suffered congenital heart disease as a result of your maternal exposure to an oil and gas well site, our experienced Oklahoma City oilfield and personal injury attorneys at Cunningham & Mears are here to help. We can fight on your behalf for the rightful compensation you deserve. To set up a free case review, give us a call today at 405.212.9234 or use our contact form to send us a request.