Structural birth defects and exposure to oil and gas wells during pregnancy

Researchers have not yet characterized structural birth defect-related potential risks associated with living near conventional wells in California, and there is little understanding of the hazards associated with inactive wells. We found that living near active wells in the San Joaquin Valley, California, was associated with risk of some structural birth defects, but findings were imprecise. Living near inactive wells was associated with an elevated risk of cleft lip and cleft palate. Further research could help determine whether findings were valid and explicate plausible etiological pathways.