Phthalates have been linked to an increased risk of preterm labor

Phthalates are synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer products.

A prospective analysis of data on the health effects of phthalates on children from 1998 to 2022 showed that higher concentrations of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate in maternal urine were associated with preterm birth (hazard ratio 1.45). However, as reported in The Lancet Planetary Health, this risk was even higher for phthalic acid (hazard ratio 2.71), diisonononyl phthalate (hazard ratio 2.25 ), diisodecyl phthalate (hazard ratio 1.69), and di-n-octyl phthalate (hazard ratio 2.90).

Phthalates are used in the manufacture of personal care products and food packaging. When ingested, they cause inflammation and oxidative stress and affect hormone regulation. A team of scientists led by Leonardo Trasande of New York University estimates that there were 56595 cases of phthalate-related preterm births in the US in 2018. This incurred a related cost of $3.84 billion dollars.