Rutgers researchers find link between phthalates and preterm birth

A new study involving research from Rutgers University has found pregnant women in the U-S exposed to chemical compounds called phthalates are at increased risk of preterm birth. That's when a baby is born too early—a condition that's become more common since 2014. It now affects about one in 10 births, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Emily Barrett is an associate professor at Rutgers' Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology and one of the authors of the study. She joined WNYC Morning Edition host Kerry Nolan to talk about the troubling findings.