Heart disease deaths worldwide linked to chemical widely used in plastics
Plastic household items have become an integral part of our daily lives, but new research suggests that they may be causing more harm than we realize. A recent analysis conducted by researchers at NYU Langone Health has revealed a troubling connection between exposure to certain chemicals used in plastics and an increased risk of heart disease.
The study focused on a type of chemical called phthalates, specifically di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), which is commonly used to make plastic products softer and more flexible. These chemicals can be found in a wide range of everyday items, from cosmetics and detergents to food containers and medical equipment. When ingested, phthalates have been linked to a variety of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, fertility issues, and cancer.
The researchers estimated that DEHP exposure led to over 365,000 deaths from heart disease globally in 2018, with populations in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East bearing the brunt of the death toll. The study also highlighted the economic burden of these deaths, with estimated costs ranging from $510 billion to $3.74 trillion.
According to lead author Sara Hyman, the findings highlight the significant danger that phthalates pose to human health. The study is believed to be the first global estimate of cardiovascular mortality resulting from exposure to these chemicals, underscoring the urgent need for regulations to reduce exposure, especially in regions undergoing rapid industrialization and plastic consumption.
The researchers used health and environmental data from population surveys across 200 countries to estimate DEHP exposure levels. They found that countries in Africa and East Asia/Middle East were disproportionately affected by the increased risk of heart disease associated with phthalate exposure. India had the highest death count, followed by Pakistan and Egypt.
Study senior author Leonardo Trasande emphasized the need for global regulations to address the disparities in exposure to phthalates and reduce the associated health risks. While the analysis focused on DEHP and heart disease mortality among older adults, Trasande noted that the overall impact of phthalates on heart disease mortality is likely much higher.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to track how reductions in phthalate exposure may impact global mortality rates and expand their study to explore other health concerns posed by these chemicals. The findings underscore the importance of addressing the risks associated with plastic chemicals and protecting public health on a global scale.
