"Safer" Plasticizers Are Toxic to the Placenta Too
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/6/2026
The plasticizers that replaced DEHP are supposed to be safer. They're not. A new review says alternative plasticizers are toxic to the placenta.
What the Review Found
A 2026 review in Reproductive Toxicology examined the placental toxicity of alternative plasticizers that have been introduced as "safer" substitutes for DEHP and other traditional phthalates. The review found that these newer chemicals cause damage to placental cells, disrupt placental function, and may affect fetal development.
The plastics industry keeps swapping one harmful chemical for another. DEHP gets bad press, so they switch to DINCH, DEHT, ATBC, or other alternatives. But the replacements haven't been studied long enough, and the early evidence says they're not much better.
Why Placental Damage Matters
The placenta controls everything the baby receives: oxygen, nutrients, hormones. It also serves as a barrier against toxins (when it works). When plasticizers damage the placenta, they compromise all of these functions. Placental dysfunction is linked to preeclampsia, growth restriction, preterm birth, and stillbirth.
What You Can Do
Avoid all soft plastic during pregnancy, not just PVC. Use glass, stainless steel, and silicone for food storage. Read labels on baby products and choose "plasticizer-free" options. Don't assume "phthalate-free" means "safe."
Check out our non-toxic baby products for truly safer alternatives.
Also see glass food storage for safer alternatives.Source: Nadeem M, Jojy M, Meschia M, Warner GR (2026). Reprod Toxicol.