Scientists Estimate Millions of Preterm Births Are Linked to This Common Household Chemical

Key Points:

• A recent study published in eClinicalMedicine estimates that exposure to phthalates, specifically DEHP and DiNP, contributed to nearly 3.85 million preterm births worldwide in 2018, accounting for over 8% of total premature births and linked to 74,000 newborn deaths.
• Phthalates, chemicals used to make plastics flexible and found in many household products, may cause chronic inflammation and endocrine disruption, potentially triggering preterm labor by affecting the placenta.
• The burden of phthalate-related preterm births is disproportionately higher in regions such as South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, possibly due to environmental contamination of food and water sources.
• Experts advise reducing phthalate exposure by using glass containers for food storage, choosing phthalate-free personal care products, and avoiding microwaving food in plastic containers, although the study only shows an association rather than direct causation.
• While phthalates pose health risks beyond pregnancy, including cardiovascular disease, maintaining a healthy lifestyle may mitigate the potential adverse effects of DEHP exposure for both pregnant and non-pregnant individuals.