NYU Langone links plasticizer DINCH to lower birth weight in newborns

Exposure to DINCH, a plasticizer introduced as a safer substitute for phthalates, is associated with lower birth weight and length in newborns, according to an analysis of over 6,600 US pregnancies conducted by researchers at NYU Langone Health theguardian.comtheguardian.comtheguardian.comOpen source ↗. The report was published by theguardian.com. The chemical was detected in the urine of up to 70% of the pregnant women evaluated in the federal Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (Echo) Program.

DINCH, or 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester, is utilized to enhance polymer flexibility in cling film, food packaging, toys, medical devices, and flooring. Data showed that higher exposure increased the probability of an infant being categorized as small for gestational age, falling below the 10th percentile for their gestational stage. Specifically, each tenfold increase in maternal DINCH exposure was correlated with an average 27-gram reduction in newborn weight, relative to a baseline average birth weight of 3,400 grams.

Biological mechanisms and exposure risks

Fetal growth restrictions are known to elevate risks of subsequent cardiovascular conditions, metabolic issues, and developmental deficits. Earlier investigations on animal models and cultured human cells showed that DINCH metabolites can alter maternal hormonal balance and induce inflammatory processes that interfere with the placental transfer of oxygen and nutrients. The data also indicated higher exposure rates among Hispanic mothers and individuals with lower educational attainment.

Industrial volume and substitution trends

Industrial adoption of DINCH escalated following regulatory restrictions on traditional phthalate plasticizers such as DEHP across the European Union and the United States theguardian.comtheguardian.comtheguardian.comOpen source ↗. Global production of DINCH, manufactured by companies including BASF, increased from 25,000 metric tons in 2002 to 400,000 metric tons in 2024. Researchers at Switzerland's Food Packaging Forum noted documented migration of the substance from packaging materials into food products. Lead author Leonardo Trasande stated that the findings highlight risks of regrettable substitution, where regulated compounds are replaced by structurally related chemicals that lack exhaustive safety assessments prior to commercial deployment.