The Hidden Threat in Everyday Products: How a Common Plastic Chemical Disrupts Reproduction

 Many everyday items, from cosmetics to food packaging, contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can silently interfere with our hormones. One such chemical, benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), is widely used to make plastics flexible. But new research reveals it may also disrupt reproductive health by damaging DNA and causing errors in chromosome division.

How BBP Affects Reproduction: A Worm’s Tale

Scientists at Harvard Medical School, led by molecular biologist Monica Colaiácovo, studied BBP’s effects using tiny worms (C. elegans)—a common model for genetic research. Their findings, published in PLOS Genetics, show that even human-relevant doses of BBP can:
✔ Breaks DNA strands in developing egg cells
✔ Chromosome errors, lead to abnormal embryo development
✔ Increases oxidative stress, further damaging genetic material

Key Findings from the Study

🔬 Low Doses, Big Problems

• The team tested different BBP concentrations and found that just 10μM (a level detected in pregnant women) caused the most chromosome errors.

• At this dose, male worm offspring (usually rare) increased 150-fold, showing severe reproductive disruption.

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🧬 DNA Damage and Delayed Cell Division

• BBP exposure led to "lagging" nuclei—cells stalled in meiosis (the process that ensures proper chromosome distribution).

• This triggered DNA damage checkpoints, resulting in fragmented chromosomes and higher embryo death rates.

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⚡ Oxidative Stress: A Hidden Culprit

• RNA sequencing revealed 344 genes affected by BBP, many linked to oxidative stress—a known cause of DNA damage.

• Fluorescent tagging confirmed higher oxidative stress in egg cells exposed to BBP.

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Why This Matters for Humans

While the study used worms, the implications are significant:

• BBP is already found in human urine, umbilical cords, and amniotic fluid.

• Similar DNA damage and oxidative stress could occur in people, potentially affecting fertility and fetal development.

• The findings highlight the need for stricter regulations on plastic additives.

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What’s Next?

Colaiácovo’s team plans to investigate:
➜ BBP’s effects on sperm cells
➜ Differences in male vs. female reproductive responses
➜ Safer alternatives to BBP

As Colaiácovo notes, "This research helps people make informed choices—like checking product labels and opting for BBP-free alternatives."

The Bottom Line: A chemical hiding in plain sight may pose bigger risks than we thought. As science uncovers these links, consumers and policymakers alike should take note.

Reference: 

1. Cao XL. Phthalate esters in foods: Sources, occurrence, and analytical methods. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2010;9(1):21-43.
2. Jurewicz J, et al. Human urinary phthalate metabolites level and main semen parameters, sperm chromatin structure, sperm aneuploidy and reproductive hormones. Reprod Toxicol. 2013;42:232-241.
3. Henderson AL, Colaiácovo MP. Exposure to phthalates: Germline dysfunction and aneuploidy. Prenat Diagn. 2021;41(5):610-619.
4. Jiang Y, et al. Nicotinamide mononucleotide restores oxidative stress-related apoptosis of oocyte exposed to benzyl butyl phthalate in mice. Cell Prolif. 2023;56(8):e13419.
5. Henderson AL, et al. Exposure to benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) leads to increased double-strand break formation and germline dysfunction in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS Genet. 2024;20(10):e1011434.
6. Huang Y, et al. Phthalate levels in cord blood are associated with preterm delivery and fetal growth parameters in Chinese women. PLoS One. 2014;9(2):e87430.