Everyday Products Containing Plastics Might Be Linked to More Premature Births, Study Indicates
A new study suggests that synthetic chemicals commonly found in everyday products might be linked to an increase in premature births.
Published in the Lancet Planetary Health journal earlier this week, the study looked at data from the National Institutes of Health's Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program. Researchers examined data from 1998 to 2022, focusing on factors like gestational age at birth, birth weight, and birth length. They found that nearly 57,000 preterm births occurred in the United States in 2018, possibly due to these chemicals, also known as phthalates.
Previous research has hinted that phthalates can disrupt hormones and affect the placenta, which is crucial for the development of a fetus in the womb.
Phthalates are often added to consumer products to make plastic more durable. They can be found in items like vinyl flooring, furniture, shower curtains, and rain-resistant products, as well as clothing, shoes, and personal care products like shampoo, soap, hairspray, and nail polish.
Other studies have also suggested a link between phthalates and health issues such as childhood obesity, heart problems, and cancer.
Dr. Leonardo Trasande, the lead author of the study and director of environmental pediatrics at NYU Langone Health, explained that phthalates could contribute to inflammation, disrupting the placenta and potentially leading to preterm labor. He highlighted a specific phthalate called Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), commonly found in food packaging, as a significant contributor to preterm births.
However, the American Chemistry Council, representing the plastics industry, criticized the study's claims, stating that establishing an association does not prove a causal relationship. They questioned the scientific quality and reliability of such studies.
These findings underscore the potential risks associated with exposure to phthalates and highlight the need for further research to better understand their impact on maternal and infant health.
Q&A
Q: What does the new study suggest about synthetic chemicals found in everyday products?
A: The new study suggests that these chemicals might be linked to an increase in premature births.
Q: Where was the study published?
A: The study was published in the Lancet Planetary Health journal.
Q: What data did the researchers examine for the study?
A: The researchers examined data from the National Institutes of Health's Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, covering the period from 1998 to 2022.
Q: How many preterm births were estimated to have occurred in the United States in 2018, according to the study?
A: The study estimated that nearly 57,000 preterm births occurred in the United States in 2018.
Q: What are phthalates, and where can they be found?
A: Phthalates are synthetic chemicals added to consumer products to make plastic more durable. They can be found in items like vinyl flooring, furniture, shower curtains, clothing, personal care products, and food packaging.
Q: What health issues have previous studies associated with phthalates?
A: Previous studies have associated phthalates with health issues such as childhood obesity, heart problems, and cancer.
Q: How did Dr. Leonardo Trasande explain the potential link between phthalates and premature births?
A: Dr. Leonardo Trasande explained that phthalates could contribute to inflammation, disrupting the placenta and potentially leading to preterm labor.
Q: What specific phthalate did Dr. Trasande highlight as a significant contributor to preterm births?
A: Dr. Trasande highlighted Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), commonly found in food packaging, as a significant contributor to preterm births.
Q: What was the response of the American Chemistry Council to the study's findings?
A: The American Chemistry Council criticized the study's claims, questioning the scientific quality and reliability of such studies.
Q: What is the main takeaway from the study?
A: The study underscores the potential risks associated with exposure to phthalates and emphasizes the need for further research to better understand their impact on maternal and infant health.