"Plastic Chemicals Linked to Rise in Preterm Births, Doctors Warn"

A new study suggests that synthetic chemicals called phthalates, found in everyday products from food containers to shampoo, may be linked to the rise in preterm births in the US, with one of the most well-established phthalates, DEHP, being a major contributor. The study estimates that phthalates were responsible for 57,000 premature US births in 2018. While the American Chemistry Council disputes the connection, experts warn of the potential health risks associated with phthalates, including cancer, infertility, birth defects, obesity, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes. Calls for regulatory action to limit phthalates in food packaging and consumer products are being made to address the public health concerns.