Superfund Research Program

June 2022

Hot Publication

Exposure during pregnancy to chemicals found in consumer products was associated with increased risk of preterm birth, according to a study by the PROTECT SRP Center and collaborators. Preterm birth, when babies are born before completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy, is considered a risk factor for future health complications, including neurological diseases and hearing loss.

Phthalates are a class of chemicals widely used in the manufacturing of household goods. They’re used in personal care products and to make plastic more flexible in items like toys, vinyl flooring, shower curtains, and food packaging. Human and animal studies indicate that exposure to phthalates can interfere with normal hormone function and development.

Using urine samples from over 1,000 pregnant women enrolled in the study, the researchers analyzed metabolites – molecules from metabolic breakdown – of common phthalates. Next, they used statistical methods to explore the association between metabolites and adverse health outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight, and whether they differed between female and male babies.

The authors observed a correlation between more phthalate exposure and an increased risk of preterm birth, as well as greater odds of having small female babies and large male babies. The study also identified several metabolites as predictive of adverse birth outcomes. According to the team, this evidence underscores the importance of policy regulations that aim to provide safer personal care products to consumers.

To learn more, please refer to the following sources:

  • Cathey A, Watkins DJ, Rosario Z, Velez-Vega C, Mukherjee B, Alshawabkeh AN, Cordero JF, Meeker JD. 2022. Biomarkers of exposure to phthalate mixtures and adverse birth outcomes in a Puerto Rico birth cohort. Environ Health Perspect 130(3):doi:10.1289/EHP8990 PMID:35333099 PMCID:PMC8953418