The original preterm-birth study

What the study says

Plain-English summary

Urine was collected at multiple points during pregnancy in a Boston-area cohort.

Several metabolites, including markers related to DEHP exposure, were higher among preterm-birth cases.

The association was stronger when researchers focused on spontaneous preterm births.

Why it matters

Context

This was a cornerstone of the original Be Gone Goods wiki. A larger pooled analysis in 2022 broadly reinforced its main signal.

What it cannot prove

Limitations

This case-control analysis was observational, from one cohort, and cannot establish causality or identify a particular consumer product.

Proportionate next steps

Practical actions

• Prioritize practical exposure reduction during pregnancy.
• Use the larger pooled study for the current evidence picture.
• Discuss preterm-birth risk factors with a clinician.

Read it yourself

Original source

Environmental phthalate exposure and preterm birth

DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.3699