Common Household Items Linked to Thousands of Deaths From Heart Disease
Meet the Experts: Sanjay Rajagopalan, M.D., the director of Case Western Reserve University's Cardiovascular Research Institute; and Marianela Areces, M.D., medical director and cardiologist at Pritikin Longevity Center.
Below, experts break down what the research means, exactly, how concerned you should be about your personal plastic use, and how to protect your heart health in general.
Researchers found that, in 2018 alone, an estimated 356,238 deaths, globally, could be attributed to exposure to di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), a specific phthalate used to make plastics more flexible and durable. That number represented approximately 13.5% of all cardiovascular-related deaths of people between the ages of 55 and 64 that year.
The study noted geographic disparities among potential plastic-related deaths: Regions with booming plastic industries saw a dramatic impact. For example, South Asia and the Middle East experienced the highest percentage of cardiovascular-related deaths attributable to DEHP exposure at nearly 17%. Those areas, combined with East Asia and the Pacific, hosted the largest percentage of global DEHP-attributed deaths at around 73%. Altogether, researchers estimated that DEHP exposure collectively shortened life by roughly 10.4 million years worldwide.
To arrive at all of those numbers, scientists took data from a past large U.S.-based study that measured DEHP and other phthalate levels of participants' urine and compared it to global mortality rates and environmental data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a research group that collects medical information worldwide to identify trends in public health.
'These are only broad associations and do not definitively implicate DEHP,' notes Sanjay Rajagopalan, M.D., the director of Case Western Reserve University's Cardiovascular Research Institute. 'It could also mean that there are other chemicals that could drive this risk.'
DEHP and other phthalates are used to make various products like food containers, medical equipment, and household items, says Dr. Rajagopalan. He adds that DEHP is also found in vinyl flooring, shower curtains, children's toys, and food processing and storage materials like cling wrap.
It has been shown that phthalates can infiltrate the arteries of humans and contribute to heart disease, Dr. Rajagopalan says. Marianela Areces, M.D., medical director and cardiologist at Pritikin Longevity Center adds that all phthalates, and especially DEHP, 'are environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals,' meaning that they may interfere with hormone function and raise risk for conditions like obesity and diabetes, both of which are also risk factors for heart disease.
The core detriment here is believed to be that phthalates are inflammatory, which may inhibit bodily processes and make oxidative stress and cell damage more likely. Phthalates have also been linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular arrhythmias, Dr. Areces adds.
In short, experts say, yes. However, there's only so much we can do because phthalates are, unfortunately, ubiquitous at this point. You can reduce exposure, though, with 'conscious effort and lifestyle changes,' says Dr. Areces. Those might include:
Avoid plastic products: Opt for glass, stainless steel, or silicone alternatives for food storage and household items.
Check labels: Look for products labeled 'phthalate-free,' especially in personal care items, toys, and food packaging.
Limit processed foods: Phthalates can leach into food from packaging, says Dr. Areces. Choose fresh, whole foods and avoid heavily processed or packaged items.
Avoid heating plastics: 'Do not microwave food in plastic containers, as heat can increase the release of phthalates into food,' says Dr. Areces.
Improve ventilation: Phthalates can be present in indoor air and dust. Regularly ventilate your home and clean with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter.
Advocate for regulation: 'Support policies and initiatives aimed at reducing phthalate use in consumer products and improving waste management,' Dr. Areces recommends.
In addition to being aware of your plastic use, Drs. Areces and Rajagopalan say you can protect your heart health by making generally healthy lifestyle choices like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco and alcohol use, prioritizing sleep and mental health, and getting regular check-ups.
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