A study at the Indiana University School of Medicine found that the premature birth rates in the United States could be linked with increased use of pesticides and nitrates.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, pesticide and nitrate levels in surface water were highest May–June and lowest August–September. The highest prematurity rate occurred May-June (11.91 percent) and the lowest August-September (10.79 percent), regardless of maternal age, race, education, marital status, alcohol/cigarette use, or a urban/suburban/rural setting.

The study was conducted between 1996 and 2002 and included more than 27 million U.S. live births.

Original Story from e-Preemie