DEHP in Plastic Programs Babies for High Blood Pressure
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/6/2026
Babies exposed to DEHP phthalate in the womb are being programmed for high blood pressure later in life. The plastic chemical rewires their cardiovascular system before they're even born.
What the Study Found
A 2026 study in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology showed that maternal DEHP exposure programs hypertension in offspring through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling pathway. When researchers targeted and blocked this pathway, the high blood pressure effect was reduced.
That's the key finding: DEHP doesn't just raise blood pressure temporarily. It changes how the body regulates blood pressure permanently, starting in the womb.
DEHP Is in Your Everyday Plastic
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is used to soften PVC plastic. It's in food packaging, plastic wrap, vinyl flooring, shower curtains, and medical tubing. It leaches into food (especially when heated) and into the air of your home.
Pregnant women absorb it through food, water, and skin. It crosses the placenta.
What You Can Do
Never heat food in plastic. Use glass or stainless steel containers. Avoid vinyl products during pregnancy. Check labels for "phthalate-free" on personal care products.
Browse our non-toxic baby products for phthalate-free essentials.
Also see glass food storage for safer alternatives.Source: Hsu CN, Liu HY, Hou CY, et al. (2026). Toxicol Appl Pharmacol.