New 'High Safety' Plastic Chemicals Linked to Lower Birth Weight 2026

A new peer-reviewed study has linked exposure to a new generation of allegedly “safe” plasticizers called Dinch to lower birth weight and fetal development complications, raising concerns about the chemicals used in soft plastic food packaging. The research, led by NYU Langone Health, analyzed federal US health data and suggests that Dinch—widely used as a replacement for phthalates—may not be as safe as industry claims.

Dinch (diisononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate) was introduced as a “high safety,” nontoxic alternative to common phthalate plasticizers after those chemicals were shown to pose health risks. It is now found in soft plastic food packaging in the United States and European Union, as well as children’s toys, medical devices, textiles, flooring, and other consumer goods.

Why Dinch May Pose Health Risks

The study is the first to link Dinch to lower birth weights and birth lengths. Fetal growth problems can increase the risk for heart disease, learning difficulties, obesity, and other issues that can persist into adolescence and adulthood, according to the authors.

There is a dearth of research into Dinch’s health effects, but what exists points toward the chemical being a hormone disruptor that can impact children’s development. “Chemicals should be properly tested for their safety before they become a widespread exposure for unwitting people in the general public,” said Leonardo Trasande, a lead author on the NYU paper.

The findings add to growing evidence that replacement chemicals can carry their own risks, a phenomenon known as regrettable substitution. As regulators and manufacturers phase out one class of harmful chemicals, they often turn to structurally similar alternatives that have not been thoroughly evaluated for safety.

Key Takeaways from the Study

• Dinch, a purported “high safety” plasticizer, was detected in the bodies of study participants and linked to lower birth weight and length.
• The chemical is widely used in soft plastic food packaging, children’s toys, medical devices, and other consumer products.
• Fetal growth restriction can lead to long-term health problems, including heart disease, learning difficulties, and obesity.
• Regulators currently require little safety testing for replacement chemicals before they enter the market.
• Pregnant women and children may be particularly vulnerable to hormone-disrupting chemicals like Dinch.

How Dinch Exposure Compares to Other Plasticizers

Dinch was developed to replace orthophthalates such as DEHP, which have been restricted due to reproductive and developmental toxicity. However, the new study suggests that Dinch may also interfere with hormones, albeit perhaps through different mechanisms. The table below summarizes key differences.

What This Means for Consumers

For consumers, the study underscores the difficulty of avoiding potentially harmful chemicals in everyday products. Dinch is not typically listed on ingredient labels, so it can be hard to know if a product contains it. However, some steps can reduce exposure, such as avoiding soft plastic food packaging when possible and choosing glass, stainless steel, or phthalate-free alternatives.

Pregnant women and parents of young children may want to be especially cautious. The study’s authors emphasize that the findings do not prove causation, but they add to evidence that replacement plasticizers should be more thoroughly tested before widespread use.

Regulatory agencies in the US and EU have not yet issued new restrictions on Dinch based on this study. The research was published in a peer-reviewed journal and analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which includes biomonitoring data for various chemicals.

The Broader Problem of Regrettable Substitution

This is not the first time a replacement chemical has raised health concerns. Similar patterns have played out with BPA alternatives, flame retardants, and other classes of chemicals. As we have reported, forever chemicals linked to gut inflammation in children show how persistent pollutants can affect the most vulnerable populations.

The issue extends beyond food packaging. PFAS forever chemicals linked to gut inflammation in children highlight the need for pediatricians to be aware of environmental exposures. And as California law targets toxic chemicals in disposable diapers, it is clear that regulation is starting to catch up with the science.

Consumers can also take practical steps at home. How to take advantage of plastic packaging at home offers tips for reducing exposure, while Australia packaging laws delay sparks outrage over plastic waste shows how policy debates are unfolding globally.

Even innovative solutions like plastic cookies: NASA's future space food innovation remind us that plastics are deeply embedded in our lives. As research continues, the hope is that regulators will require more thorough safety testing for all chemicals before they reach the market.