Past research targeted DEHP exposure as directly correlating with preterm birth. These findings resulted in restrictions on DEHP use, causing manufacturers to create alternatives. But the findings of this new study reported that these replacements may be more dangerous than DEHP, thus leading to an even greater rise in preterm births since they are now in multiple daily items, including food product packaging. //

One step would be to replace any plastic food storage containers or water bottles with stainless steel or glass containers. If you still have some plastic containers, avoid microwaving food or drinks in them or putting them in the dishwasher (or use the top rack) to lessen the extent of your phthalate exposure, as exposure to high heat speeds up phthalate release. Additionally, checking plastic recycling codes and avoiding ones higher in phthalates, such as those marked with recycling code 3, can make a difference.