Study Links Phthalates to Preterm Births and Infant Deaths

Exposure to a widely used plastic chemical may be contributing to preterm births globally, raising concerns about its role in maternal and infant health.

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A chemical commonly found in plastics and household products may be behind nearly 2 million preterm births worldwide in a single year, according to recent research.

Preterm birth is a leading cause of death in children under 5 and can lead to lasting learning and development problems, according to the World Health Organization.