"Plastic Chemicals Linked to 10% of US Premature Births: Study"

A major study has found that one in 10 premature births in the US may be linked to pregnant women's exposure to phthalates, chemicals commonly found in plastic products. These chemicals, known as hormone disruptors, can lead to early labor and birth. The study estimated that nearly 10% of premature births in the US in 2018 could be attributed to phthalate exposure, with associated medical and social costs ranging from $1.6 to $8.1 billion. The researchers called for global efforts to reduce plastic production and regulate phthalates as a group, while advising people to minimize exposure by avoiding plastic-wrapped food and phthalate-containing personal care products.