Home / Health / Chemical Toxin Linked to Millions of Preterm Births
Chemical Toxin Linked to Millions of Preterm Births
3 Apr
Summary
- Chemical DEHP in common products may have caused 2 million preterm births.
- The toxin is linked to hormone disruption and placental inflammation.
- Middle East and South Asia bear over half the global burden of exposure.
A common chemical, di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), found in everyday items like cosmetics and detergents, is now linked to nearly two million preterm births worldwide. Researchers from NYU Langone Health estimate that in 2018, DEHP exposure contributed to approximately 1.97 million premature births and was associated with around 74,000 infant fatalities.
Scientists theorize that DEHP, an endocrine disruptor, may trigger preterm labor by interfering with pregnancy hormones and causing placental stress. This analysis represents the first global estimation of such impacts, integrating exposure data across over 200 countries.
The study reveals significant geographic disparities, with the Middle East and South Asia accounting for over half the global burden due to increased plastic use and industrialization. Africa faces a starker reality where fewer cases result in higher infant mortality, reflecting limited healthcare access.
Concerns are also raised regarding the regulation of such chemicals, as common replacements for DEHP, like DiNP, may pose similar risks. This suggests a cycle of substitution rather than effective problem-solving. The researchers advocate for broader, class-based regulation of plastic additives and improved waste management to mitigate exposure.
