by New research reveals that exposure to chemicals found in plastic food containers and cosmetics may be responsible for tens of thousands of preterm births in the United States. The study, conducted by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, suggests that these hormone-disrupting chemicals, known as phthalates, can lead to significant health issues and result in long-term medical costs reaching billions of dollars.
Phthalates, commonly used in various consumer products, including plastics and cosmetics, have been shown to interfere with hormone function. Exposure to these chemicals has been associated with obesity, cancer, fertility problems, and numerous other health concerns. The latest analysis focused on over 5,000 American mothers and specifically linked phthalate exposure to an increased risk of lower weight and gestational age in newborns.
These risk factors are known to contribute to infant mortality, academic underperformance, and potential long-term health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. The study estimates that approximately 10% of preterm births in 2018 can be attributed to phthalate exposure, with projected minimum medical costs of $1.6 billion and potential costs of up to $8.1 billion over the children’s lifetimes.
Dr. Leonardo Trasande, the lead author of the study, emphasized the gravity of the findings, stating that the burden of preterm births associated with phthalates is significant and underscores the serious threat these chemicals pose to human health. He further noted that there is a clear opportunity to reduce these risks by utilizing safer plastic materials or minimizing plastic usage whenever possible.
Published in The Lancet Planetary Health, this study is considered the largest of its kind to date, featuring a diverse group of women. Unlike previous research in this area, which predominantly focused on a particular demographic, this study’s data, obtained from the Environmental Influences on Childhood Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, provides a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of various factors on children’s health.
To assess prenatal exposure to phthalates, the researchers measured 20 different metabolites in urine samples collected from pregnant women at three different stages. By examining the associations between metabolite levels and preterm births, the team was able to estimate the financial costs related to intensive care unit stays, medical bills, and decreased worker productivity due to lower IQ points over a lifetime.
In addition to analyzing overall exposure, the study also compared specific phthalates, including di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and its newer alternatives. DEHP, which has been used for its plastic-flexibility properties, has faced increased scrutiny in recent years due to its potential health risks.
The findings of this study emphasize the urgent need for further regulation and awareness surrounding the use of phthalates in consumer products. By minimizing exposure to these chemicals, the United States could potentially reduce the incidence of preterm births and alleviate the substantial economic and healthcare burden associated with them.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
