Two chemicals commonly used to make plastic flexible have been linked to nearly 2 million premature births and approximately 74,000 newborn deaths worldwide in a single year, according to a new study published in the journal eClinicalMedicine.
The research examined the effects of di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP)—chemicals belonging to a family of synthetic compounds known as phthalates—across 200 countries and territories using data from 2018. These substances are frequently added to consumer products ranging from food packaging and children’s toys to personal care items and medical devices.
Phthalates are classified as endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the body’s hormone production system. Even small disruptions can trigger significant developmental and biological effects, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Previous research has linked the chemicals to reproductive problems, childhood obesity, asthma, cardiovascular issues and cancer.
“This is a dangerous class of chemicals, in the context of all the efforts that we’re taking to have more babies born in the United States, we should also make sure that babies are born healthy.” said Dr. Leonardo Trasande, senior author of the study and professor of pediatrics and population health at NYU Langone Health.
The study found that Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia carried the heaviest burden of premature births linked to these chemicals. Researchers note that some of these regions have rapidly growing plastics industries alongside high levels of global plastic waste.
Scientists suggest phthalates may contribute to preterm birth by disrupting placental function. Placental insufficiency, in which the organ fails to develop or function properly, is a leading cause of spontaneous preterm labor. Inflammation triggered by these chemicals may also weaken placental adhesion and lead to ruptured membranes.
Experts caution that while the study focused on DEHP and DiNP, the concern extends to phthalates as an entire class. When regulations target specific chemicals, manufacturers often replace them with structurally similar alternatives that may pose comparable or even greater health risks.
“We are playing a dangerous game of Whac-A-Mole with hazardous chemicals, concerns come up about one chemical, and industry simply replaces it with a chemical analog that may have the same, if not worse, effects.” Trasande said.
The American Chemistry Council’s High Phthalates Panel told CNN that the US Environmental Protection Agency conducted a risk evaluation of DiNP under the Toxic Substances Control Act and concluded it does not pose “unreasonable risk of injury to human health for consumers, the general population, or the environment.” The council provided no comment on DEHP.
Health experts emphasize that while phthalates leave the body within days after exposure ends, meaningful protection requires more than individual action. Stronger regulations, safer product formulations and improved labeling are essential to reducing exposure on a population scale.
Source: CNN
