Study Links 'Safe' Plasticizer DINCH to Lower Birth Weights and Fetal Complications
A peer-reviewed study by New York University Langone Health analyzing over 6,600 pregnancies found that exposure to DINCH, a plasticizer marketed as a safe alternative to phthalates, is associated with lower birth weights and an increased risk of babies being small for gestational age.
Exposure to DINCH, a plasticizer widely promoted as a non-toxic alternative to regulated phthalates, is linked to lower birth weights and fetal development complications, according to a peer-reviewed study conducted by researchers at New York University Langone Health. Leonardo Trasande served as a lead author on the paper.
DINCH is extensively used across the United States and the European Union in soft plastic food packaging, children's toys, medical devices, textiles, flooring, and other consumer goods. Global production of the chemical has surged dramatically, jumping from 25,000 tons in 2002 to 400,000 tons in 2024.
The research team analyzed data from more than 6,600 pregnancies collected through the National Institutes of Health Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (Echo) Program. The analysis revealed that up to 70% of the women studied had DINCH present in their urine. Higher concentrations of the chemical were associated with an increased risk of the child being classified as "small for gestational age," defined as falling below the 10th percentile for weight.
Specifically, each tenfold increase in maternal DINCH exposure correlated with a 27-gram reduction in newborn birth weight. For context, the average newborn weighs approximately 3,400 grams, or 7.5 pounds. The study notes that such reductions can contribute to broader health consequences, including an increased risk of heart disease, learning difficulties, obesity, and other issues later in life. Researchers also pointed to potential mechanisms behind these outcomes, including hormone disruption and inflammation that may affect nutrient and oxygen delivery to the baby.
The findings highlight demographic disparities in exposure risks. Hispanic mothers and those with lower education levels were found to be more likely to have children affected by DINCH exposure.
The study raises significant concerns about what experts term "regrettable substitution" within the chemical industry—a practice where new chemicals are introduced to replace regulated ones without sufficient safety testing.