A new global study has linked exposure to a common plastic chemical to nearly two million premature births and about 74,000 newborn deaths in a single year, raising fresh concerns about the health impact of everyday plastic products.
The research identified the chemical as di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), a substance widely used to make plastics more flexible. It is commonly found in household items such as cosmetics, detergents, food packaging, and other consumer products.
According to the findings, exposure to DEHP contributed to approximately 1.97 million preterm births globally in 2018, accounting for more than eight percent of all births that year. The same chemical was also associated with tens of thousands of newborn deaths, making it a significant global health concern.
Experts explain that these chemicals can break down into tiny particles that enter the human body through food, air, and dust. Once inside, they may interfere with hormone function and disrupt placental development, increasing the risk of early births and complications.
The study further revealed that regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia bear a disproportionate burden of the health effects, partly due to higher exposure levels and existing challenges in maternal and newborn healthcare.
Researchers also warned that alternative chemicals used to replace DEHP may pose similar risks, stressing the need for broader regulation of plastic additives rather than focusing on individual substances.
The findings add to growing evidence linking plastic-related chemicals to serious health issues and highlight the urgent need to reduce human exposure, particularly among pregnant women and vulnerable populations.
