General · 17 June 2026
Everyday chemicals linked to earlier births, lower weight
This major study found pregnant women are exposed to dozens of common chemicals daily, which impacts how early a child is born or their birth weight. Researchers at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health and Stanford University tested over 5,000 women, finding an average of 45 chemicals each. Even newer "replacement" chemicals showed similar harmful effects, leading experts to call for stronger policies.
Reported by UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health · How we write briefs