Foods we eat are covered in plastics that may be causing a rise in premature births, study says

Premature births are increasing, and researchers believe synthetic chemicals called phthalates found in food packaging and personal care products could be a cause. Phthalates are known to disrupt hormones and impact the functioning of the placenta. A recent study found that a specific phthalate, DEHP, could be responsible for 5% to 10% of preterm births in 2018 in the United States. The study also revealed that the replacements for DEHP, namely DiDP, DnOP, and DiNP, may be even more dangerous. Preterm babies are at a higher risk of developing certain diseases in adulthood.