One in 10 premature births in the United States is linked to a pregnant woman’s exposure to phthalate chemical compounds. Phthalates are chemicals used in the plastics and paint industries.
The main author of the study, Dr. Leonardo Trasande, said that these chemicals, which disrupt the endocrine glands and metabolism, “may accelerate premature birth” The study also touched on the collective cost of this phenomenon. In addition to the health problems caused by premature birth, researchers analyzed the medical and social costs when caused by exposure tophthalates.