A new study by American researchers has linked chemicals found in household plastics—specifically phthalates—to an increase in mortality from heart disease.
These chemicals are commonly found in cosmetics, cleaning products, solvents, plastic pipes, insect repellents, and popular lunch boxes. Phthalates make plastic products more flexible. However, as the troubling statistics reveal, the harm they cause far outweighs any benefits.
Scientists have long warned about the health issues associated with this class of chemicals. Previous studies have connected these substances to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, hormonal disorders, fertility problems, and cancer.
Now, researchers from the esteemed NYU Langone Health in the U.S. have attributed these chemicals to more than 356,000 deaths from heart disease worldwide that occurred in just one year—2018.
What Did the Researchers Discover?
The research team examined the effects of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which adds softness and flexibility to food containers, medical equipment, and other plastic products. They found that prolonged use of items containing this chemical could lead to heart inflammation and strokes.
The study’s results, published in the journal EBio Medicine, revealed that in 2018 alone, DEHP was responsible for 356,238 deaths among individuals aged 55 to 64. This accounts for more than 13 percent of all global mortality from cardiovascular diseases in this 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.
Overall, the study assessed the impact of DEHP on public health in 200 countries, as reported by the Independent. The researchers found that the highest number of phthalate-related deaths was recorded in India (103,587 individuals). China and Indonesia also ranked among the top three countries with the highest mortality rates.
The team suggested that the high death toll from DEHP exposure in these countries may be due to the massive scale of plastic production, which is virtually unregulated.
“Our results highlight the urgent need for global regulations to reduce exposure to these toxins, especially in areas that have been most affected by rapid industrialization and plastic consumption,” noted lead author Leonardo Trasande.