A recent large-scale study has revealed a concerning association between exposure to chemicals found in commonly used plastic products and premature births. The study, conducted in the United States, discovered that approximately 10% of premature births in the country can be attributed to pregnant women being exposed to phthalates, which are chemicals used to soften plastic. These phthalates can be found in a wide range of consumer items, including plastic containers and wrapping, beauty care products, and toys.
Phthalates, also known as “hormone disruptors,” have been recognized for their ability to affect the endocrine system. They have previously been linked to health issues such as obesity, heart disease, some cancers, and fertility problems. The study’s lead author, Leonardo Trasande from New York University’s Langone Health center, explained that these chemicals can potentially trigger early labor and premature birth by interfering with hormones. This finding underscores the need for increased awareness and regulation of phthalates in our daily lives.
To determine the potential impact of phthalate exposure on premature births, the researchers analyzed the phthalate levels in the urine of over 5,000 pregnant women in the United States. The study revealed 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 results to the entire country, the researchers estimated that nearly 56,600 preterm births in 2018 alone could be linked to phthalate exposure, accounting for approximately 10% of all premature births in the United States that year.
Premature babies or those born with a lower weight often experience more health problems later in life. As such, the researchers also calculated the resulting medical and social costs associated with phthalate-related preterm births in the United States, which ranged between $1.6 and $8.1 billion. These findings emphasize the urgency of addressing the issue and the importance of taking proactive measures to minimize phthalate exposure.
While the study was conducted in the United States, Trasande highlighted that phthalates are so pervasive that it is likely that 5-10% of premature births in most other countries could also be attributed to these chemicals. He emphasized the need for a global treaty to significantly reduce plastic production and protect public health. Trasande expressed concern over the absence of accountability from plastic producers, as they do not bear the costs associated with the health effects on preterm babies.
In response to growing concerns about the widely used phthalate DEHP, some plastic companies have attempted to replace it with other compounds within the same chemical group. However, the new study revealed an even more alarming finding – these replacement phthalates showed stronger effects than DEHP. Trasande called for the regulation of phthalates as a whole group rather than focusing on specific compounds, advocating for an overarching approach to tackling this issue.
Stephanie Eick, a reproductive health researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, expressed her support for the study findings, stating that although the research could not definitively prove a causal relationship between phthalates and premature births, there is now an overwhelming number of observational studies supporting this hypothesis. To minimize exposure to phthalates, Eick advised consuming less food packaged in plastic and avoiding personal care products that contain these chemicals.
Preventing Phthalate Migration
Trasande also cautioned against placing plastic containers in microwaves or dishwashers as this can lead to the migration of phthalates into food. By raising awareness, educating the public, and advocating for stricter regulations, individuals can play their part in reducing exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals. It is essential that policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers work collaboratively to foster a safer environment for pregnant women and their unborn babies.
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