Are Phthalates and Bisphenol Linked to Childhood Asthma?

Your child's risk of developing non-atopic asthma might be sitting in their nursery or kitchen right now. A 2026 study published in Environmental Pollution found that exposure to phthalate mixtures during pregnancy and early childhood is significantly associated with an increased risk of asthma in children.

Researchers tracked nearly 1,800 children across two major birth cohorts. They found that prenatal exposure to these chemical mixtures was linked to an 83% higher risk of non-atopic asthma. Postnatal exposure showed a similar 82% increase in risk. We aren't talking about obscure chemicals here. Phthalates are the plasticizers used to make materials flexible, and they are hiding in everything from soft plastic toys to food packaging.

It is infuriating that these endocrine-disrupting chemicals are still standard in products meant for our kids. You cannot control the air quality outside, but you can control what comes into your home. Start by ditching soft, cheap plastics in the nursery and kitchen. Swap them for glass, stainless steel, or wood. We have curated a collection of non-toxic baby alternatives that are tested and free from these harmful additives. Stop waiting for the industry to change and start swapping your gear today.

Source: Boissiere-O'Neill T, Lazarevic N, Ponsonby AL, Sly PD, Chen A (2026). Environ Pollut.