Plastic Chemicals Linked to Tens of Thousands of Premature Births, Study Finds
Plastic is an integral part of our daily lives, from the containers we use to store food to the bottles that hold our lotion. However, a recent study published in Lancet Planetary Health suggests that the ubiquity of plastic may have a detrimental impact on public health. The study reveals that phthalates, the synthetic chemicals found in plastic, are linked to tens of thousands of premature births each year.
Phthalates are known to be hormone disruptors and have earned the nickname “everywhere chemicals” due to their widespread use in various products. The research conducted by NYU Grossman School of Medicine indicates that these chemicals could be responsible for more than 56,000 preterm births annually in the United States alone. The lifetime medical costs associated with these premature births range from $1.6 billion to $8.1 billion.
Phthalates have been shown to interfere with the function of hormones and signaling compounds in the body. Exposure to these toxins, which occurs when consumer products break down and are ingested, has been linked to obesity, cancer, fertility issues, and other health concerns. The study examined phthalate exposure in over 5,000 U.S. mothers and found a correlation between exposure and a higher risk of low birth weight and prematurity. These factors not only increase the risk of infant death but also impact academic performance and potentially contribute to heart disease and diabetes later in life.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that phthalates are chemicals used to enhance the durability of plastic and can be found in a wide range of products, including vinyl flooring, personal-care items, and lubricating oils. They are responsible for making plastic flexible and shiny.
Dr. Leonardo Trasande, the lead author of the study and a professor of pediatrics at NYU Langone Health, emphasizes the urgent need to address the risks associated with phthalates. He suggests using safer plastic materials or reducing plastic usage whenever possible to mitigate these risks.
The study utilized data from the National Institutes of Health’s Influences on Child Health Outcomes Program and analyzed 20 phthalate metabolites to determine their association with gestational age, birth weight, and other factors. The researchers also calculated the cost of adverse birth outcomes. The findings revealed that phthalate exposure was linked to lower gestational age in a diverse sample, raising concerns about the use of these chemicals in food packaging.
Further analysis showed that women with higher exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) had a 50% increased risk of giving birth prematurely compared to those with lower exposure levels. Additionally, the risk doubled for women exposed to higher quantities of three other phthalates: di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP), and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP). These findings highlight the need for comprehensive regulation of phthalates as a class rather than addressing them individually.
While some chemical companies have been replacing known risky chemicals like DEHP, the study suggests that these replacements may pose similar problems. Although the study is observational and does not prove a causal effect between plastics and preterm birth, it builds upon existing evidence and sheds light on chemical substitutes that evade regulations.
Dr. Trasande advises individuals to avoid packaged goods whenever possible and opt for storing food in glass or stainless steel containers. By taking these steps, we can reduce our exposure to phthalates and potentially mitigate the risks associated with premature births.
Plastic may be an integral part of our lives, but it is crucial to prioritize our health and explore safer alternatives. By raising awareness about the dangers of phthalates and advocating for stricter regulations, we can work towards a future where plastic no longer poses a threat to public health.
