These ‘everywhere’ plastic chemicals could be fueling U.S. premature births — and they’re likely in your home

In 2024, one in ten infants were born prematurely in the U.S. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), babies who survive are often at greater risk of developmental delays, cerebral palsy, feeding problems, and even vision issues. Studies have revealed that this may be linked to chemicals used to make plastics more flexible.

According to CNN, the two chemicals are Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate and diisononyl phthalate. On packaging, they’re usually simplified to their acronyms, DEHP and DiNP, respectively. They’re considered “cousins” in the scientific community, and the collective name for these synthetic chemicals is phthalates.

Science is slow and ever-changing. Unfortunately, the average citizen wants quick answers, and the U.S. is currently under an administration that is more than willing to provide exactly that — even if those “answers” come before the evidence does. That’s why the president simply telling pregnant women to avoid Tylenol to prevent developmental issues in their infants has gained a lot of attention, while ultimately solving very little about the real problem.

Trust in the CDC may be at an all-time low thanks to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., but the agency was still able to work with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to find that phthalates interfere with the body’s hormone production — known as the endocrine system — and are “linked with developmental, reproductive, brain, immune, and other problems.”

Dr. Leonardo Trasande, senior author of the new study, said, “In the context of all the efforts that we’re taking to have more babies born in the United States, we should also make sure that babies are born healthy.” He continued, “These data further support efforts to negotiate a plastic treaty that limits chemicals of concern commonly used in plastics.”

Within scientific communities, phthalates are often referred to as “everywhere” chemicals due to their ubiquity in everyday life. They can be found in toys, garden hoses, art supplies, plastic food containers, and more. Just think of it this way: whenever you see “flexible” plastic, it’s safe to assume phthalates were involved in its manufacturing.

Which makes things even more complex, because reducing premature births would require stricter oversight of how plastic is made and used. And considering this is an administration that openly cozies up to industry leaders instead of regulating them, it’s highly unlikely that will be an easy task.

Globally, these “everyday chemicals” were linked to 2 million premature births in 2018 alone. They have also been associated with reproductive problems such as genital malformations, lower sperm counts, and reduced testosterone levels.

Dr. Donghai Liang, an associate professor of environmental health at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta, offered practical advice for expectant mothers looking to minimize exposure. Liang said, “For mothers and expecting families looking to minimize exposure, there are some reasonable and practical steps that can help.” She continued, “These include choosing personal care products labeled ‘phthalate-free.’ Check ingredient lists for terms like diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBzP).”