Chemicals linked to infertility and birth defects also linked to preterm birth, study says
Experts continue to call on the FDA to get them out of food
![A pregnant woman cradles her belly](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_335_251_focal_point/public/2022-09/GettyImages-1323431279.jpg?h=dfc3751c&itok=j6sRzqnQ)
Phthalates have been linked to infertility, birth defects and developmental delays. Now, a study of 6,000 mothers revealed that exposure to these chemicals during pregnancy also increases the risk of preterm birth.
The new research, conducted by the National Institutes of Health, adds to the pressure the Food and Drug Administration is already facing from environmental and health organizations, including Environmental Defense Fund, to remove phthalates from food handling equipment and food packaging – the primary source of exposure for adults – though these chemicals are also found in some soaps, shampoos, cosmetics and other products.
Over the summer, the agency denied two petitions to remove phthalates from food processing equipment and packaging, saying the petitioners had not proven that the chemicals were unsafe for use in food production and the agency needed more information.
“We filed the petitions because we were concerned that these hormone-disrupting chemicals were harming people, especially children, who consume food contaminated by this class of chemicals,” says Tom Neltner, EDF’s director for safer chemicals. “Since filing, the evidence of harm has only grown more compelling.”
EDF and its allies are calling on the FDA to withdraw its approval of the phthalates it allows in food handling equipment and food packaging – several of which are already banned from children’s toys.
In the meantime, consumers can lower their phthalate exposure by avoiding processed food and using phthalate-free cosmetics and personal care products.
But without regulation, these “everywhere chemicals” are nearly impossible for consumers to avoid. That's why EDF has called on companies to proactively remove them. An EDF tool supports businesses that want to remove toxins from their packaging and supply chains by showing them how to identify which chemicals may be lurking.
“The law requires that the FDA resolve our objections as soon as possible,” Neltner says. “In addition, we will continue to press Congressional leaders and the public to demand action to protect children from ortho-phthalates.”