The Link Between Plastic Containers, Thousands of Preterm Births, and Billions in Medical Costs

A recent study published in Lancet Planetary Health reveals a concerning link between the exposure to phthalates, synthetic chemicals commonly found in everyday items, and tens of thousands of preterm births in the United States each year. The study highlights the potential long-term medical costs associated with these preterm births, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and regulatory measures.

Phthalates, widely used in the production of plastics to enhance durability and flexibility, are omnipresent in household items, from toys to Tupperware. Despite their prevalence, phthalates have been associated with adverse health effects. The study examined data from 5,000 mothers, revealing a heightened risk of preterm births, a concerning trend that has been on the rise in the U.S.

The observational study focused on daily exposure to phthalates and its correlation with preterm births. The researchers found that exposure to these synthetic chemicals poses a significant risk, contributing to a rise in preterm births. The study estimated that in 2018 alone, over 56,000 preterm births in the U.S. could be attributed to phthalate exposure, incurring lifetime costs ranging from $1.6 billion to potentially $8.1 billion. The economic burden extends beyond medical expenses, encompassing lost productivity and additional health costs.

The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, drew on a diverse national sample, enhancing the reliability of its findings. Approximately 24% of the mothers included in the study identified as non-Hispanic Black, 25% as Hispanic or Latino, and 43% as non-Hispanic white. The majority of mothers belonged to the 25 to 34 age group, with nearly half holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, 6% of participants reported smoking during pregnancy.

Importantly, the study sheds light on the ongoing challenges posed by chemical substitutes introduced to replace traditional phthalates. Despite regulatory efforts, these substitutes are proving to be equally harmful. The findings raise questions about the effectiveness of current regulations and the need for a comprehensive overhaul to ensure the safety of consumer products.

While the study has been praised by scientists for contributing to established evidence, critics argue that the observed associations do not prove a causal relationship between plastics and preterm births. The American Chemistry Council, representing the plastics industry, emphasized the need for scientific rigor and questioned the study's credibility.

“This study does not show adverse consequences. Establishing association does not equal establishing a causal relationship," the council said in a statement. “Studies such as these have been criticized for lack of scientific quality, credibility, and reliability."