Health · 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.

By BriefTea Editorial · 17 June 2026 at 16:15

Reported by UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health · How we write briefs

Get the app

More briefs

HealthMan changes life after doctor warns liver disease could kill him HealthSweetener used in chewing gum and jam linked to strokes and heart attacks HealthMouth cancer rates up a third in UK, often with no obvious cause HealthBox breathing helps calm stress and reduce anxiety, say experts HealthNHS managers warn spiralling costs could disrupt ADHD and autism care HealthThousands of UK women get undiagnosed PTSD after childbirth More health stories → Browse all stories →