In recent years, there’s been an increasing focus on the effects of plastics on health, and that’s certainly not without reason. Be it microplastics, nanoplastics, or just the everyday plastic items we use, researchers and consumers are keen to know how these elements affect long-term health. A recent study indicates that phthalates—chemicals used to make some plastics more flexible—may be linked to millions of preterm births worldwide.
This research, published in eClinicalMedicine, a journal from The Lancet, examined how certain phthalates impact preterm birth, defined as births occurring before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Such early births can lead to significant health risks for infants. This concern raises important questions: what causes this connection, and what steps can be taken to address it? We consulted an ob-gyn and a toxicologist for insights.
Meet the experts: Daniel J. Martingano, DO, an ob-gyn at Episcopal Health Services, and Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University.
What did the study find?
For this study, researchers assessed the exposure to di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) in 2018 across 200 regions, relying on national surveys. DEHP, a type of phthalate found in various household products, from makeup to bug sprays, was prevalent in the study.
By analyzing previous research on the impact of phthalate exposure, they combined this with their estimates on worldwide preterm births and mortality rates to evaluate the impact of DEHP. Their findings suggested that DEHP exposure was linked to approximately 1.97 million premature births in 2018—over 8 percent of global cases. They also estimated that DEHP exposure corresponded to the deaths of about 74,000 newborns.
Then, they considered another phthalate, diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), which is often used as a substitute for DEHP. This substance was estimated to have contributed to around 1.88 million preterm births worldwide. The analysis highlighted that regions like South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa exhibited a particularly high burden.
Why would some plasticizers be linked to preterm birth?
The exact reasons remain unclear, but a few theories exist. Phthalates may cause issues by infiltrating tissues and triggering chronic inflammation, which can disrupt metabolic and reproductive functions, according to Dr. Martingano. These chemicals are known to be endocrine disruptors, which might explain their impact.
In addition to that, Martingano notes, inflammation fueled by these substances is significant. “The immune system’s efforts to break down foreign material get complicated with phthalates,” he explains, which can lead to chronic inflammation. This response occurring in the placenta might plausibly induce preterm labor.
What if you’re not pregnant or planning to be?
If pregnancy isn’t part of your plans, phthalates still aren’t something you’d want in your system. According to Dr. Alan, these chemicals can negatively affect health even if pregnancy isn’t a consideration. Martingano adds that the inflammatory responses linked to DEHP could raise health risks beyond just preterm birth. For instance, there’s a noted association between DEHP and cardiovascular disease, which can affect any woman.
How to limit your phthalate exposure
It’s crucial to note that the study established a correlation, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship between plasticizers and preterm birth. Yet, taking steps to minimize exposure is wise. Dr. Alan suggests using glass containers for food storage, as they don’t contain phthalates. Opting for phthalate-free toothbrushes and avoiding heating food in plastic containers can also be beneficial, per the NIH guidelines.
Environmental factors could play a role as well. Dr. Alan speculates that some exposure might arise from plastic pollution, particularly in the regions noted for higher impact, where drinking water and food sources might be contaminated.
Ultimately, strive to do what you can. As Martingano points out, DEHP is linked to health issues rather than being a direct cause, suggesting that maintaining a healthy lifestyle may mitigate risks associated with DEHP exposure. This perspective may provide some reassurance for both pregnant and non-pregnant individuals alike.
