Health Risks of Plastic Chemicals in Pregnant Women

Plastic chemicals, known as phthalates, pose significant health risks to pregnant women. Documented effects include preterm births and an increased risk of infant death. Even newer plastics intended to be safer, like those studied by NYU Langone Health, have been linked to fetal development issues such as low birth weight.

Phthalates and Their Alternatives

As the detrimental effects of phthalate plasticizers have become more evident, industries have switched to alternatives like DINCH (1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester). Touted as a safer non-phthalate plasticizer, DINCH is common in food packaging. Researchers examined its impact on pregnant women, finding that it appeared in 70% of the 6,600 pregnancies studied. Higher DINCH levels increased the risk of babies being “small for gestational age,” with significant tenfold exposure decreases birth weight by 27 grams.

Birth weight and womb development time are vital for healthy development. Low birth weight can raise risks for heart disease, obesity, learning difficulties, and more in later life.

Concerns Over “Regrettable Substitution”

Industries replacing harmful chemicals with alternatives like DINCH and GenX compounds sometimes encounter “regrettable substitution.” Despite being marketed as less toxic, these alternatives have shown more risks. Studies indicate chemicals in plastic packaging can move into food, affecting health.

DINCH levels in the EU population have been rising over recent decades. Currently, the Food Packaging Forum is researching the health impact of this alternative. The Langone study raises concerns about the “safer” switch.

“Chemicals should be properly tested for their safety before they become widespread,” said Leonardo Trasande, study lead author.

Reducing Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

Avoiding harmful chemicals is challenging. Researchers suggest using glass or wood storage and utensils and choosing groceries packaged in glass or without plastic. A small study also found consuming oat beta-glucan—found in oats, barley, shiitake mushrooms, and seaweed—three times daily reduced PFAs in men after four weeks.

Although there is no nationwide ban on DINCH or GenX in the US, the European Union will ban BPA in nearly all food-contact materials in 2024. The FDA has already prevented BPA use in baby bottles, sippy cups, and infant formula packaging.