Synthetic chemicals found in everyday products may be behind the rise in premature births, a new study suggests.
Earlier this week, the study was published in the journal Lancet Planetary Health, which collected data from the National Institutes of Health’s Environmental Influences on Children’s Health Outcomes (ECHO) program.
Looking at data from the program between 1998 and 2022, including gestational age at birth, birth weight, birth length, and birth weight for gestational age, the study found that nearly 57,000 preterm births occurred in the United States in 2018, potentially due to the chemical , also known as phthalates.
Previous research has shown that the chemicals can act as hormone disruptors and affect the placenta, which helps the fetus develop in the womb.
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According to CNN, phthalates are added to consumer products to make the plastic harder to break.
Phthalates are commonly found in vinyl flooring, furniture and shower curtains, as well as rain- and stain-resistant products, as well as clothing and shoes, the outlet said.
Personal care products, including shampoo, soap, hairspray and nail polish, also contain the chemical, according to CNN, because it makes scents last longer.
Various other studies have similarly found a link between phthalates and other health problems, such as childhood obesity, cardiovascular problems and cancer.
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Premature child.
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In a statement to CNN, lead study author Dr. Leonardo Trasande, director of environmental pediatrics at NYU Langone Health, said, “Phthalates can also contribute to inflammation that can further disrupt the placenta and initiate the steps of preterm labor.”
He added: “Studies show that the biggest association with premature labor is due to phthalates found in food packaging, so-called Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or DEHP. In our new study, we found that DEHP and three similar chemicals may be responsible for 5% to 10% of all preterm births in 2018. This may be one reason why preterm births are on the rise.”
The American Chemistry Council, which represents the plastics industry, countered the claims made in the study in its own statement.
“This study shows no adverse effects. Establishing an association does not mean establishing a cause-and-effect relationship,” said the council, per USA Today. “Studies like these have been criticized for lacking scientific quality, credibility and reliability.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education