The short version
- A new analysis of federal health data associates higher levels of DINCH in pregnant women with reduced birth weight and length in infants.
- The chemical, widely adopted after regulators restricted older plasticizers, shows signs of being a hormone disruptor that interferes with fetal nutrient access.
- Experts warn this case exemplifies regrettable substitution, where industries replace hazardous compounds with alternatives that carry similar or unknown health risks.
A peer-reviewed study published by researchers at New York University Langone Health indicates that exposure to a common plasticizing chemical is associated with lower birth weights and potential complications in fetal development. The findings challenge the industry narrative surrounding DINCH, a compound formally known as 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester, which has been marketed as a high-safety replacement for older, toxic plasticizers. As regulatory scrutiny intensified against traditional phthalates over the past two decades, manufacturers shifted toward DINCH, claiming it offered a nontoxic alternative for soft plastics used in food packaging, children’s toys, medical devices, and flooring.
The analysis examined data from more than 6,600 pregnancies collected through the National Institutes of Health Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes program. The study revealed that up to 70 percent of the participating women had detectable levels of DINCH in their urine. Higher concentrations of the chemical correlated with an increased risk of infants being classified as small for gestational age, meaning they fell below the tenth percentile for size relative to babies born at the same stage of pregnancy. Specifically, each tenfold increase in maternal exposure resulted in a reduction of approximately 27 grams in newborn birth weight, a significant margin given that the average newborn weighs around 3,400 grams.
Beyond simple weight metrics, the research suggests broader developmental implications. Fetal growth restrictions have been linked to long-term health issues, including heart disease, learning difficulties, and obesity, which can persist into adolescence and adulthood. Previous studies involving animal models and human cells indicate that by-products of DINCH may interfere with hormonal signals essential for guiding fetal development. These disruptions could also trigger inflammation that impedes the transfer of nutrients and oxygen from mother to child, further compromising growth trajectories.
The study highlights disparities in exposure and impact, noting that Hispanic mothers and those with lower levels of educational attainment were more likely to have children affected by the chemical’s presence. This pattern mirrors broader environmental health inequities where marginalized communities often face higher burdens of toxic exposure. The widespread use of DINCH means that avoiding contact is difficult for many consumers, as the substance is embedded in everyday items such as cling film, plastic wine corks, and various household textiles.
This finding underscores a recurring phenomenon in chemical regulation known as regrettable substitution. This occurs when industries replace a banned or restricted hazardous substance with a new compound that has not been thoroughly tested for safety but shares similar structural properties or health risks. A parallel example involves the replacement of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often called forever chemicals, with newer variants like GenX, which have subsequently shown toxicity concerns. The rapid adoption of DINCH followed a similar trajectory, with global production volumes surging from 25,000 tons in 2002 to 400,000 tons by 2024, driven largely by major producers such as the German chemical company BASF.
Leonardo Trasande, a lead author on the NYU paper, emphasized that chemicals should undergo rigorous safety testing before they become ubiquitous in consumer products. He argued that the current regulatory framework often reacts to health concerns after widespread exposure has already occurred, rather than preventing harm proactively. The lack of comprehensive research into DINCH’s health effects prior to its mass adoption represents a significant gap in public health protection. Trasande pointed to ongoing negotiations for a global plastics treaty at the United Nations as a critical opportunity to establish stricter pre-market testing requirements.
Other organizations are also raising alarms about the chemical’s prevalence and potential dangers. Researchers from the Food Packaging Forum in Switzerland expressed concern over the limited health information available regarding DINCH. Their observations indicate that the chemical migrates from food packaging into the food itself, contributing to rising levels of exposure within the European population over recent decades. The forum is currently conducting its own health research to better understand the risks associated with this migration.
For individuals seeking to mitigate exposure, experts recommend reducing reliance on plastic products wherever possible. This includes opting for glass or wood storage containers and utensils in the kitchen, selecting food packaged in glass rather than plastic, and choosing clothing and toys made from non-plastic materials. While individual actions can lower personal risk, the scale of DINCH production and its integration into essential goods suggest that systemic regulatory changes are necessary to address the broader public health implications identified in this study.
The publication of these findings adds weight to calls for stronger oversight of chemicals used in consumer goods. As evidence accumulates regarding the potential harms of DINCH, policymakers may face increased pressure to reevaluate its status as a safe alternative. The study serves as a cautionary tale about the limitations of substituting one chemical for another without exhaustive safety data, highlighting the need for a more precautionary approach to industrial chemistry and public health regulation.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗New ‘high safety’ chemicals in plastic food packaging linked to lower birth weight, study finds
