# The supposedly safer plastic chemical linked to smaller babies: study

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-supposedly-safer-plastic-chemical-linked-to-smaller-babies-study/
- Published: 2026-11-15T15:56:24+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T16:20:20+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/15/health/the-supposedly-safer-plastic-chemical-linked-to-smaller-babies-study/
- Topics: Research, Science, World

## Key points

- DINCH was detected in 70% of the pregnancies studied.
- Higher exposure was associated with babies weighing 27 grams less per tenfold increase.
- Researchers call for stronger safety testing of replacement chemicals.

## Summary

A study from NYU Langone Health has linked higher exposure to DINCH, a plasticiser promoted as a safer alternative to phthalates, with lower birth weight and a greater likelihood of babies being small for their gestational age. The findings raise concerns about replacing one widely used chemical with another before its safety is fully established.

The researchers analysed data from more than 6,600 pregnancies and detected DINCH in the urine of 70% of participants. For each tenfold increase in exposure, newborns weighed an average of 27 grams less. The study does not establish that DINCH caused the differences, but its authors say birth weight matters for development and recommend further safety testing; they also suggest using glass or wood for food storage and kitchen utensils.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.