Plastic Chemical Exposure Linked to Infant Mortality and Preterm Birth

A 2026 study published in eClinicalMedicine found that two widely used plasticizers (chemicals added to plastics to make them softer)—DEHP (di-2-ethylhexylphthalate) and DiNP (diisononyl phthalate)—may be associated with nearly 2 million premature births and about 74,000 newborn deaths worldwide in 2018.

Premature birth is defined as birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy, and in the U.S. alone, about 1 in 10 babies were born prematurely in 2024. Preterm infants face elevated risks of serious health complications, including breathing and feeding difficulties, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and sensory impairments.

Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly used to make plastics flexible and durable. They are found in many everyday products, including food packaging, vinyl flooring, toys, medical equipment, and personal care items such as shampoos, lotions, and fragrances. Because they are so widely used, they are often referred to as “everywhere chemicals.” Scientists have long raised concerns that phthalates can disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates hormones essential for growth and development. Even small hormonal disruptions during pregnancy may have lasting effects on fetal development.

Researchers in the study analyzed data from 200 countries and territories, drawing on national surveys and global health estimates. They found the greatest burden of phthalate-related harm in regions including Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, where plastic production and waste exposure are increasing rapidly. While the study does not prove direct causation, it strengthens evidence linking phthalate exposure to adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Experts suggest one possible mechanism is disruption of placental function, which is critical for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. Inflammation and impaired placental development may contribute to preterm labor. Researchers emphasize that phthalates are part of a broader chemical class of concern, and substituting one chemical for another may not eliminate risk.

While individual steps like choosing “phthalate-free” products and avoiding heating plastics may reduce exposure, experts stress that broader regulatory and industrial changes are needed to meaningfully reduce harm.