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Study Links Plastic Chemicals to Millions of Preterm Births

3/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A study published in Lancet journal eClinicalMedicine links plastic chemicals DEHP and DINP to 1.97 million preterm births and 74,000 infant deaths in 2018, with highest impact in Middle East and South Asia.
The March of Dimes reports a preterm birth grade of D+ in the United States, with several states receiving failing grades.
Experts warn that phthalates found in everyday products disrupt hormones and pose serious health threats.

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Story summary

A study published in Lancet journal eClinicalMedicine links plastic chemicals DEHP and DINP to 1.97 million preterm births and 74,000 infant deaths in 2018, with highest impact in Middle East and South Asia.
The March of Dimes reports a preterm birth grade of D+ in the United States, with several states receiving failing grades.
Experts warn that phthalates found in everyday products disrupt hormones and pose serious health threats.