Are bisphenols and phthalates tied to childhood allergies?

What's actually in it

Bisphenols (chemicals used to harden plastic) and phthalates (chemicals used to make plastic soft) are not just sitting in your products. They leak into your food and drinks. A 2026 study in J Environ Sci Health B found that these chemicals migrate out of common beverage cups. They have also been found in bottled water, according to a 2026 study in Environ Toxicol.

These chemicals are everywhere in our homes. They are in the plastic containers you use to store food and the bottles your kids drink from. Because they are not chemically bound to the plastic, they easily move into the things we consume every day.

What the research says

The science is clear that these chemicals affect child health. A 2026 study in Environ Pollut specifically examined the link between these substances and childhood allergic phenotypes. The findings confirm that prenatal and early life exposure to these common plastic additives is tied to the development of allergies in children.

Other research supports these concerns regarding respiratory health. A 2026 study in Environ Res found that fetal exposure to bisphenols and phthalates is linked to an increased risk of respiratory conditions during infancy. Additionally, a 2026 study in Ecotoxicol Environ Saf highlights how prenatal exposure to these same chemicals can impact the fetoplacental ratio, which is a key marker of healthy development.