Chemical Exposure Widens the Pregnancy Risk Gap
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/7/2026
Black women develop hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at higher rates than white women. Environmental chemicals may be part of the reason why.
A National Study of Chemicals and Pregnancy
A 2026 study in Environ Pollut analyzed 3,279 pregnant people from 11 cohorts across the US through the ECHO Program. Researchers measured 20 environmental chemicals detected in over 70% of participants during pregnancy.
The hypertensive disorder rate was 16.6% among non-Hispanic Black participants compared to 10.8% among non-Hispanic white participants.
Chemicals as a Driver of Disparity
The study investigated whether chemical exposures (PFAS, heavy metals, phthalates, and other common pollutants) mediate the excess risk of pregnancy hypertension in Black women. While individual chemicals didn't fully explain the gap, the findings point to cumulative chemical mixtures as a potential driver.
Unequal exposure to environmental chemicals, shaped by housing, neighborhood pollution, product marketing, and occupation, falls disproportionately on communities of color.
Why Pregnancy Hypertension Matters
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and infant death worldwide. They increase the risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth, and long-term cardiovascular disease for the mother.
What You Can Do
Reduce chemical exposure during pregnancy: filter your water, avoid processed foods in plastic, choose fragrance-free products. And switch to non-toxic baby products to protect both parent and child.
Also see glass food storage for safer alternatives.