It’s a silent heart killer.
A new study published in The Lancet suggests that certain chemicals found in plastics, particularly phthalates, may significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Researchers focused on the effects of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a common plasticizer used in food packaging, medical devices, and flexible plastics. The study estimated that in 2018 alone, global exposure to DEHP may have contributed to over 356,000 deaths from heart disease among adults aged 55 to 64.
Lead researcher Sara Hyman of NYU Grossman School of Medicine emphasized the growing evidence linking phthalates to serious health risks. These chemicals, widely used in consumer and personal care products, have already been associated with hormonal disruption and chronic conditions such as asthma, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and allergies.
To conduct the study, the team analyzed data from various previous investigations, using urine samples to estimate DEHP exposure across 200 countries and regions. They then compared these exposure levels to cardiovascular mortality rates, determining that DEHP could be responsible for over 13% of global heart disease deaths in the target age group.
Countries such as India, Pakistan, and Egypt experienced the highest number of deaths linked to DEHP exposure. The researchers pointed out that these regions also have rapidly growing plastics industries, which may partly explain the higher impact.
Senior investigator Dr. Leonardo Trasande called for immediate international action to regulate phthalate use, particularly in countries experiencing swift industrial growth. He stressed the importance of minimizing public exposure to these harmful substances to protect global cardiovascular health.
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