Chemicals used in plastic food packaging linked to 10% of preterm births in 2018

Phthalates, a class of chemicals commonly used in plastic food containers and cosmetic products, have been linked to causing around 10 percent of preterm births in the United States in 2018, according to a study from environmental health experts at New York University. Phthalates are often added to plastics like food packaging, shopping bags, and shower curtains to increase flexibility. They are also used in scented cleaning and beauty products to prolong fragrance. Ingesting these chemicals can interfere with the hormones that regulate the reproductive system. The NYU study, published in Lancet Planetary Health, found that pregnant women with higher levels of phthalates in their urine samples were more likely to experience preterm births. The researchers estimated that phthalate exposure contributed to over 56,000 preterm births in the U.S. in 2018. A preterm birth can have a significant impact on a child’s development, leading to increased healthcare costs and health problems in the future. The estimated economic cost of phthalate-related preterm births in 2018 could be as high as $8.1 billion. Despite these findings, the plastics industry continues to use phthalates in their products, leading to potential health risks for consumers. The study raised concerns regarding phthalate exposure and its association with preterm births, adding to previous research highlighting the harmful effects of these chemicals. With phthalates being found in various consumer products, there is a need for stricter regulations to protect public health and reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals.