Now, researchers have found synthetic chemicals called phthalates used in clear food packaging and personal care products could be a culprit, according to a new study. “Studies show the largest association with preterm labor is due to a phthalate found in food packaging called Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, or DEHP,” Trasande said. “In our new study, we found DEHP and three similar chemicals could be responsible for 5% to 10% of all the preterm births in 2018. “This paper focused on the relationship between exposure to individual phthalates and preterm birth. “Every day, they’re often exposed to more than one phthalate from the products they use, so the risk of preterm birth may actually be greater,” said Friedman, who was not involved in the study.

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Persons: phthalates, ”, Dr, Leonardo Trasande, ” Trasande, “, that’s, Alexa Friedman, Friedman, diisononyl, toxicologist Linda Birnbaum, ” Birnbaum, birthweight, DEHP, Trasande, ” Friedman, don’t, ” CNN’s Jen Christensen Organizations: CNN, NYU Langone Health, “, Environmental, American Chemistry Council, Product Safety, FDA, Food and Drug Administration, National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, National Toxicology, National Institutes of Health’s, Child Health, Health, Mayo Clinic, American Academy of Pediatrics, AAP Locations: United States, European