The numbers
Exposure to di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) has been linked to nearly 2 million preterm births worldwide in 2018, according to a study conducted by researchers at NYU Langone Health. This alarming statistic highlights the significant impact of chemical exposure on maternal and newborn health.
In addition to the high number of preterm births, the study estimates that DEHP exposure is associated with the deaths of 74,000 newborns in the same year. Approximately 8% of the world’s total preterm births in 2018 were attributed to DEHP exposure, underscoring the urgent need for public health interventions.
The research also indicates that diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) may have contributed to about 1.88 million preterm births globally. The study estimated DEHP exposure across 200 countries and territories, revealing a widespread issue that affects diverse populations.
Geographically, the findings show that Africa accounted for 26% of health problems arising from DEHP-linked preterm births, while the Middle East and South Asia represented a staggering 54% of estimated illness related to this exposure. These regions are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of phthalates, which are commonly found in consumer products such as cosmetics, detergents, and food packaging.
Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a key researcher in the study, remarked, “This is a dangerous class of chemicals.” He emphasized the need for greater awareness and regulation of phthalates to protect maternal and infant health. The broader concern, as noted by Dr. Donghai Liang, is that focusing on one or two phthalates at a time may underestimate the overall risk posed by this class of chemicals.
In terms of health impact, the study estimates that DEHP exposure resulted in 1.2 million years lived with disability due to complications associated with preterm birth. Sara Hyman, MS, one of the researchers, stated, “By estimating how much phthalate exposure may contribute to preterm birth worldwide, our findings highlight that reducing exposure, especially in vulnerable regions, could help prevent early births and the health problems that often follow.”
Despite these findings, details remain unconfirmed regarding the direct causation of preterm birth by DEHP and DiNP. The investigation was not designed to establish that these chemicals directly or solely cause preterm birth, and there is some uncertainty in the data regarding the impact of DEHP.
