A new study has identified connections between two widely used plastic chemicals and adverse birth outcomes, including newborn deaths and premature births.

The research, published Monday in the journal eClinicalMedicine, examined the effects of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DINP), both chemicals commonly used to make plastics more flexible. The study found notable associations between exposure to these substances and increased rates of infant mortality and preterm delivery.

Phthalates are a class of chemicals added to plastics to increase their durability and flexibility. They are found in numerous consumer products and can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Previous research has raised concerns about potential health effects from phthalate exposure.

The findings add to growing scientific literature examining the potential health impacts of chemical exposure during pregnancy. Researchers have increasingly focused on how environmental factors may influence pregnancy outcomes and infant health.

The study's publication comes amid broader discussions about declining birth rates and fertility concerns in the United States and other developed nations. Multiple factors, including delayed parenthood and environmental exposures, have been cited as potential contributors to demographic trends.