Study Links Common Plastic Additive DINCH to Lower Birth Weight
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
A new study published in Environment International suggests that exposure to the plastic additive DINCH during pregnancy may be linked to lower birth weight and length in newborns. Researchers found that higher levels of DINCH metabolites in pregnant women were associated with a slight decrease in average birth weight and length, and an increased likelihood of babies being born small for their gestational age. While Israeli experts advise against hasty conclusions, they acknowledge the findings warrant further investigation into the potential long-term effects of this widely used phthalate alternative.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A new study links exposure to the plastic additive DINCH during pregnancy to lower birth weight and length in newborns.
- DINCH is a common plasticizer used in food packaging, toys, and textiles, introduced as a safer alternative to phthalates.
- The research found a correlation between higher DINCH metabolite levels and a decrease of about 27 grams in average birth weight.
- Increased DINCH exposure was also associated with a slightly shorter length and a higher likelihood of babies being born small for their age.
- Israeli medical experts caution against definitive conclusions, noting the small weight difference and the need for further long-term studies.
- The study highlights the need for stricter regulation of chemicals used in consumer products before widespread adoption.
A new study by American scientists suggests that exposure to DINCH, a chemical compound used to make plastics flexible, may be linked to reduced birth weight and length in newborns. DINCH was introduced in 2002 as a safer alternative to certain phthalates, which faced regulatory restrictions. It is now widely used in food packaging, children's toys, medical equipment, flooring, and textiles. Global production of DINCH has surged from 25,000 tons in 2002 to 400,000 tons in 2024.
The research, led by Professor Leonardo Trasande from NYU's Grossman School of Medicine and published in Environment International, analyzed data from 5,500 women and newborns. Researchers found traces of DINCH metabolites in the urine of nearly half to two-thirds of pregnant participants. A tenfold increase in one metabolite was associated with a decrease of approximately 27 grams in average birth weight and a reduction in length of 0.19 to 0.31 centimeters.
These associations were particularly noticeable during the third trimester, a critical period for fetal growth. Higher levels of DINCH metabolites were linked to a greater likelihood of babies being born small for their gestational age, a category defined by weight below the 10th percentile. However, the study did not find a clear link to premature birth or low birth weight below 2,500 grams.
Israeli medical experts, including Dr. David Danon, head of a department at Ha'Emek Medical Center in Afula, urge caution against drawing immediate conclusions. Dr. Danon noted that a 27-gram weight difference is typically not clinically significant on its own. However, the increased incidence of babies classified as small for their age warrants attention due to potential long-term health and developmental risks. He also emphasized that the study did not track children post-birth and could not establish causality or long-term consequences, suggesting other factors like maternal health and lifestyle might also play a role.
Trasande described DINCH as a "regrettable substitution," highlighting the need for stricter oversight of chemicals used in consumer products, as they are often widely adopted before sufficient health data is available. The study authors and experts agree that further long-term research is necessary to fully understand DINCH's impact. Consumers seeking to minimize exposure are advised to opt for glass or wooden alternatives to plastic for food storage and toys, though the effectiveness of these measures remains unproven.