A recent study conducted in the United States has found a concerning link between common plastic products and premature births. The study revealed that one in ten premature births in the country can be attributed to pregnant women being exposed to chemicals called phthalates, which are commonly used to soften plastic. These chemicals can be found in various consumer items such as plastic containers, beauty care products, toys, and even plastic wrapping.
Phthalates have long been known as “hormone disruptors” that can negatively affect a person’s endocrine system. Previous research has connected phthalates to obesity, heart disease, certain cancers, and fertility problems. However, this new study sheds light on their impact on pregnancy outcomes. Lead study author Leonardo Trasande from New York University’s Langone Health center explained that these chemicals can trigger early labor and premature birth due to their hormone-altering properties.
The researchers analyzed the levels of phthalates in the urine of over 5,000 pregnant women in the United States to examine the potential effects of exposure on the timing of birth. The results showed that mothers with the highest levels of phthalates had a 50% increased risk of giving birth before week 37 compared to those with the lowest levels. Extrapolating these findings nationwide, the researchers estimated that approximately 56,600 preterm births in 2018 alone could be attributed to phthalate exposure, accounting for about 10% of all premature births in the country that year.
Premature babies or those born with lower birth weights often face more health complications later in life. The researchers estimated that the medical and social costs associated with phthalate exposure for preterm births in the United States ranged from $1.6 to $8.1 billion.
Although this study focused on the United States, Trasande believes that phthalates are so prevalent worldwide that five to ten percent of premature births in most other countries could likely be linked to these chemicals. He emphasized the need to weigh the benefits of plastic against its harms and called for a global treaty to significantly reduce plastic production.
Trasande also expressed concern about the use of replacement phthalates by some plastic companies. These alternative compounds were found to have even stronger effects than the commonly used phthalate DEHP, making the situation even more alarming. He suggested that regulations should target phthalates as a group rather than focusing on specific compounds.
While the study does not definitively prove that phthalates directly cause premature births, Stephanie Eick, a reproductive health researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, stated that there is an overwhelming number of observational studies supporting this hypothesis. To minimize exposure to phthalates, Eick advised individuals to consume less food wrapped in plastic and avoid personal care products containing these chemicals.
Trasande also cautioned against putting plastic containers in microwaves or dishwashers, as this can release phthalates that may later be absorbed into food. The urgency to address this issue arises from the fact that plastic manufacturers are not held accountable for the health effects caused by their products, leaving preterm babies and their families to bear the consequences.
In conclusion, this study serves as a wake-up call regarding the potential dangers of phthalate exposure during pregnancy. The findings highlight the need for stricter regulations on plastic production and increased awareness among consumers about the risks associated with common plastic products. By taking proactive measures to reduce exposure to phthalates, we can strive towards healthier pregnancies and better outcomes for both mothers and babies.
