Exposure to di(isononyl) cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH), a chemical additive commonly used in soft plastics like food packaging, is linked to adverse birth outcomes, according to a large U.S. study published in Environment International.
In short:
- Higher DINCH exposure during pregnancy was associated with lower infant birth length and birthweight.
- This association was strongest for mothers exposed during the third trimester of pregnancy.
- DINCH exposure was not associated with prematurity in this study, although other studies have found that DINCH was associated with prematurity.
Key quote:
“Our findings suggest that a chemical promoted as a safer replacement for phthalates and other plasticizers may affect how babies grow in the womb. Even small differences in birth size can matter because fetal growth problems can raise the risk for heart disease, learning difficulties, obesity, and other issues that can echo into adolescence and adulthood.”
- Lead study author Leonardo Trasande, MD, via NYU Langone Health’s press release
Why this matters:
As regulations have successfully reduced exposure to phthalate plasticizers, industry has added other chemicals as plasticizers instead. DINCH was introduced in 2002 as a replacement for phthalates. Since then, DINCH exposure has been increasing in the U.S. and in other countries. This article is one of many human studies showing that DINCH may not be as safe as was claimed. It illustrates the wider problem of “regrettable substitution,” when industry removes a harmful chemical and replaces it with an alternative that turns out to be toxic as well.
Related EHN coverage:
More resources:
NYU Langone Health: Seven Tips for Reducing Your Exposure to Microplastics & Plastic Additives
My Safety Nest: provides evidence-based recommendations for preventing toxic chemical exposures in the home for expecting and new parents.
Plastic Detox: resources and suggestions for reducing plastics and exposure to plasticizer chemicals.
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