Plastic Chemical Linked to Millions of Premature Births

DEHP, a toxin present in everyday household products, has been linked to nearly 2 million preterm births and over 74,000 infant deaths worldwide.

Professor Leonardo Trasande from NYU Grossman School of Medicine warns that while phthalates like DEHP increase preterm birth risks by disrupting pregnancy hormones, their replacement with similar harmful chemicals continues the problem.

The study highlights that the Middle East and South Asia face the highest burdens due to rapid industrialization and increased plastic use, whereas Africa experiences higher mortality rates from limited healthcare access.

Trasande emphasizes the need for stricter regulations on plastic additives to prevent health crises, advocating for better monitoring and waste management practices.