Study Links Common Plastic Goods to Preterm Births and Billions in Healthcare Costs

Phthalates are not just prevalent; they’re produced in massive quantities in the U.S., making the country one of the top global producers. These chemicals are crucial for making plastics more flexible, durable, and glossy, and they sneak into our lives in ways we might not even realize, including through the food we eat.

Despite regulatory efforts, the study emphasizes that the industry’s shift to alternative chemicals might not be the solution it seems. These substitutes, according to experts, might be just as harmful. Dr. Leonardo Trasande, the study’s lead author and a notable figure at NYU Langone Health’s Center for the Investigation of Environmental Health Hazards, calls for a global effort to end plastic Pollution. His previous work has already highlighted the staggering $249 billion cost of diseases linked to plastic exposure in the U.S. alone, excluding preterm births.

Critically, the study doesn’t conclusively prove that plastics cause preterm births but significantly adds to existing evidence, raising concerns over the need for a more robust regulatory framework to protect public health. The American Chemistry Council, representing the plastics industry, argues that association does not prove causation, emphasizing the need for more quality research.

Drawing from a diverse national sample, the study’s findings are compelling. It estimates that in 2018, over 56,000 preterm births could be attributed to phthalate exposure, with potential lifetime costs ranging from $1.6 to $8.1 billion. The impact of preterm births extends beyond financial measures, affecting families and potentially leading to long-term disabilities and disorders in children.

The message is clear: reducing plastic use, particularly in food packaging and storage, is a tangible step we can all take towards a healthier future. Opting for alternatives like glass or stainless steel and embracing fresh, unpackaged foods can make a difference. It’s about making informed choices for our health and the planet, one plastic-free decision at a time. Let’s face it—much of our plastic use isn’t essential, and this study is a wake-up call to rethink our habits for the sake of future generations.

Related Content:

• Consumer Reports Urges General Mills to Cut Out Plastic Chemicals in Popular Products
• EU Demands Cosmetic Industry Pay Up for Microplastic Cleanup
• How Plastic Toys Can Hurt Your Animals
• 10 Tips for Dealing with a World Full of Plastic
• Meet the Potato-Based Plastic Wrap that Composts!

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!