Plastics: premature births and neonatal deaths

---

Extract from the article: A study conducted by New York University Grossman School of Medicine, published on 31 March 2026 in the journal « eClinicalMedicine », warns of the effects of plastics on pregnancy. The culprits are phthalates, particularly DEHP, substances used to s

---

A study conducted by New York University Grossman School of Medicine, published on 31 March 2026 in the journal « eClinicalMedicine », warns of the effects of plastics on pregnancy. The culprits are phthalates, particularly DEHP, substances used to soften materials such as PVC.

The researchers establish a direct link between exposure to these compounds and premature births. Invisible yet ubiquitous, phthalates circulate in the environment via food, air and even household dust. They are also found in everyday items such as food packaging, cosmetics and certain household products.

The figures are worrying: in 2018, these substances are estimated to have contributed to around 1.97 million premature births worldwide, accounting for over 8% of cases. At the same time, nearly 74,000 newborn deaths are thought to be linked to them, mainly due to complications associated with prematurity.

Certain regions are more affected, notably the Middle East and South Asia (54% of cases), whilst Africa accounts for 26%. Faced with this situation, experts highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to reduce exposure to plastics, which are now ubiquitous in everyday life.

Jean ELI