Gaby
A new U.S. study links chemicals in household plastics—specifically phthalates—to higher death rates from heart disease.
They are commonly found in cosmetics, cleaning products, solvents, plastic pipes, insect repellents, and widely used lunch boxes. Phthalates make plastic products more flexible. But the troubling statistics suggest the harm they cause outweighs any benefits.
Scientists have long warned about health problems tied to this class of chemicals. Previous studies have connected these substances to higher risks of obesity, diabetes, hormonal disorders, fertility problems, and cancer.
Now, researchers at NYU Langone Health in the U.S. have linked these chemicals to more than 356,000 heart disease deaths worldwide in a single year: 2018.
What Did the Researchers Discover?
The research team examined the effects of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a compound that adds softness and flexibility to food containers, medical equipment, and other plastic products. They found that prolonged use of products containing DEHP could increase the risk of heart inflammation and stroke.
The study’s results, published in the journal EBioMedicine, showed that in 2018 alone DEHP was responsible for 356,238 deaths among people aged 55 to 64. That accounts for more than 13 percent of all global deaths from cardiovascular disease in that age group.
“Our findings add to a substantial body of evidence that these chemicals pose a significant threat to human health,” said co-author Sarah Hyman.
The study assessed DEHP’s impact on public health in 200 countries, according to The Independent. The researchers found the highest number of phthalate-related deaths in India (103,587 people). China and Indonesia also ranked among the top three countries with the largest mortality totals.
The team suggested that the high death toll from DEHP exposure in those countries may stem from the massive scale of plastic production and limited regulation of that industry.
“Our results highlight the urgent need for global regulations to reduce exposure to these toxins, especially in areas most affected by rapid industrialization and plastic consumption,” said lead author Leonardo Trasande.
