New "high safety" chemicals in plastic food packaging linked to low birth weight

A study by researchers at NYU Langone Health links exposure to DINCH, a plasticizer promoted as a safer replacement for phthalates, with reduced fetal growth. Used in soft food packaging and products including toys, medical devices and cling film, DINCH has become widespread despite limited research on its health effects. The researchers analyzed data from more than 6,600 pregnancies in a US health study: up to 70% of participants had detectable DINCH in their urine. Higher exposure was associated with greater odds of having a baby small for gestational age, defined as below the 10th percentile for babies at the same point in pregnancy. For every tenfold increase in exposure, birth weight fell by an average of 27 grams. Hispanic mothers and mothers with less education were more likely to have affected children.

The findings add to evidence that replacing restricted chemicals with inadequately tested substitutes can repeat earlier health risks. Prior animal and cell research suggests DINCH by-products may disrupt hormones involved in fetal development and contribute to inflammation that limits nutrient and oxygen delivery. The study does not establish that DINCH directly causes these outcomes, but researchers say its widespread use warrants stronger testing and oversight before chemicals enter consumer products. DINCH production has grown sharply since regulators acted against phthalates, and evidence indicates it can migrate from packaging into food. Researchers and chemical-safety advocates point to plastics policy, including a proposed UN plastics treaty, as an opportunity for tighter rules. The study’s authors also recommend reducing exposure by choosing plastic-free products and food in glass packaging where possible.