Knowledge | Hidden risks in food packaging: plasticizers may be quietly affecting fetal development
A study led by NYU Langone Health found that phthalates—common chemicals used in food packaging, cosmetic containers, and plastic products—may significantly increase the risk of preterm birth. The study estimated that these chemicals may be associated with more than 56,000 preterm births each year in the United States.
The study was published this month in The Lancet Planetary Health and led by Leonardo Trasande, MD, a pediatrician, leading child environmental health expert, and professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
Study method: urine monitoring in 5,000 pregnant women reveals risk association
The team analyzed urine samples collected at different points during pregnancy from about 5,000 women in the United States and measured phthalate concentrations. These chemicals have long been considered endocrine disruptors that affect multiple body systems through inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal disruption, particularly pregnancy outcomes and placental health.
The study noted that interactions among these three mechanisms may disrupt placental function and increase the risks of preterm birth and low birth weight. Preterm birth—before 37 weeks—and low birth weight are important predictors of health problems in infancy and throughout life, including impaired learning and increased risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
DHEP identified as especially concerning: study recommends banning DEHP-like plasticizers as substitutes
The study specifically highlighted DHEP (diethylhexyl phthalate), a chemical commonly used to soften plastics and found widely in food containers, cosmetic packaging, baby products, furniture, toys, and medical tubing.
Dr. Trasande said: “Our study reveals the substantial healthcare and economic burden of phthalates. This is not merely laboratory toxicology data; it is directly linked to preterm birth, infant health, and costs across society.”
More concerning, some “DHEP substitutes” currently used by manufacturers are structurally similar phthalates. The study found that their effects on pregnancy were no less significant than DHEP and that they may likewise cause preterm birth.
The study recommends that regulators address not only individual chemicals but entire classes of structurally and functionally similar compounds under a unified framework.
Who faces greater exposure? Higher concentrations among some racial and ethnic minority women
The study also found that urinary concentrations of certain phthalates varied by racial and ethnic background, with higher exposure among some minority women. This suggests environmental and public health policy should address structural inequities in environmental exposure.
Although the study found no difference in exposure by fetal sex, researchers emphasized that this does not lessen the concern. Instead, it further indicates that environmental pollution has broad effects and may pose a substantial potential threat to pregnant women and their fetuses.
Knowledge | Hidden risks in food packaging: plasticizers may be quietly affecting fetal development
Knowledge | Hidden risks in food packaging: plasticizers may be quietly affecting fetal development
A study led by NYU Langone Health found that phthalates—common chemicals used in food packaging, cosmetic containers, and plastic products—may significantly increase the risk of preterm birth. The study estimated that these chemicals may be associated with more than 56,000 preterm births each year in the United States.
The study was published this month in The Lancet Planetary Health and led by Leonardo Trasande, MD, a pediatrician, leading child environmental health expert, and professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
Study method: urine monitoring in 5,000 pregnant women reveals risk association
The team analyzed urine samples collected at different points during pregnancy from about 5,000 women in the United States and measured phthalate concentrations. These chemicals have long been considered endocrine disruptors that affect multiple body systems through inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal disruption, particularly pregnancy outcomes and placental health.
The study noted that interactions among these three mechanisms may disrupt placental function and increase the risks of preterm birth and low birth weight. Preterm birth—before 37 weeks—and low birth weight are important predictors of health problems in infancy and throughout life, including impaired learning and increased risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
DHEP identified as especially concerning: study recommends banning DEHP-like plasticizers as substitutes
The study specifically highlighted DHEP (diethylhexyl phthalate), a chemical commonly used to soften plastics and found widely in food containers, cosmetic packaging, baby products, furniture, toys, and medical tubing.
Dr. Trasande said: “Our study reveals the substantial healthcare and economic burden of phthalates. This is not merely laboratory toxicology data; it is directly linked to preterm birth, infant health, and costs across society.”
More concerning, some “DHEP substitutes” currently used by manufacturers are structurally similar phthalates. The study found that their effects on pregnancy were no less significant than DHEP and that they may likewise cause preterm birth.
The study recommends that regulators address not only individual chemicals but entire classes of structurally and functionally similar compounds under a unified framework.
Who faces greater exposure? Higher concentrations among some racial and ethnic minority women
The study also found that urinary concentrations of certain phthalates varied by racial and ethnic background, with higher exposure among some minority women. This suggests environmental and public health policy should address structural inequities in environmental exposure.
Although the study found no difference in exposure by fetal sex, researchers emphasized that this does not lessen the concern. Instead, it further indicates that environmental pollution has broad effects and may pose a substantial potential threat to pregnant women and their fetuses.
Source:
Collected online