Chemicals in Household Plastics Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Disease Deaths, Study Finds

Express Tribune

29-04-2025

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Synthetic chemicals known as phthalates, widely found in consumer products such as food storage containers, shampoo, perfumes and makeup products may have contributed to more than 10% of global deaths from heart disease among people aged 55 to 64 in 2018, according to a new study.
"Phthalates contribute to inflamation and systemic inflammation, particularly in coronary arteries, which can accelerate existing disease and lead to acute events including mortality" said senior study author Dr Leonardo Trasande of New York University's Grossman School of Medicine.
He added that the chemicals disrupt testosterone, and that low testosterone is a predictor of cardiovascular disease in men.
Past research has linked phthalates to reproductive issues, including genital malformations in baby boys and lower sperm counts in adult males, as well as asthma, obesity and cancer.
The study highlights the growing health and financial burden posed by exposure to phthalates, said David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group.
Andrews, who was not involved in the research, highlighted the findings 'align with existing concerns about the risks' of these chemicals.
The American Chemistry Council, which represents chemical manufacturers, declined to comment directly on the study. The organisation said its High Phthalates Panel remains committed to promoting the benefits of certain phthalates such as DINP and DIDP.
Often referred to as "everywhere chemicals," phthalates are used to make plastics more flexible and durable. They are found in PVC pipes, vinyl flooring, rainwear, medical devices, food packaging, detergents, clothing and car interiors.
Personal care products like soaps, hair sprays and perfumes also contain phthalates to prolong fragrance.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people are typically exposed to phthalates through inhalation, ingestion of contaminated food or drink, or dermal contact with products.
Health advocates are calling for stricter regulations and better consumer awareness to limit exposure to these pervasive chemicals.
A global study published Tuesday in the journal eBiomedicine has linked the phthalate chemical DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate) to hundreds of thousands of deaths from heart disease worldwide.
Researchers examined health and environmental data from dozens of surveys across 200 countries and territories, focusing on urine samples showing chemical by-products of DEHP, which has established links to cardiovascular disease, said senior author Dr Leonardo Trasande.
DEHP has also been associated with birth defects, cancer, and reproductive harm in men, according to California's Proposition 65, a law mandating warnings on products containing potentially harmful chemicals.
The researchers compared levels of DEHP exposure with mortality data collected by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a US-based medical research organisation.
Their analysis suggests that DEHP exposure contributed to 368,764 deaths in 2018 among people aged 55 to 64 worldwide. Africa accounted for 30% of DEHP-related heart disease deaths, with East Asia and the Middle East responsible for 25% combined, the study found.
This research is believed to be the first to estimate the global death toll from exposure to a single phthalate, said lead author Sara Hyman, an associate research scientist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
'By highlighting the connection between phthalates and a leading cause of death across the world, our findings add to the vast body of evidence that these chemicals present a tremendous danger to human health,' Hyman said in a statement.
However, David Andrews from the Environmental Working Group noted a limitation in the study's methodology.
The researchers used hazard ratios derived from US data to estimate deaths globally, assuming a consistent relationship between DEHP exposure and heart disease across different countries.
'This may not hold true given significant differences in exposure levels and access to cardiovascular detection and treatment around the world,' Andrews said in an email.
how to limit exposure to harmful phthalates, experts advise
Experts say it is possible to reduce exposure to phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals through small but consistent changes.
"Avoid plastics as much as possible," said Dr Leonardo Trasande. "Cutting down on ultraprocessed foods can also lower the levels of chemical exposure."
Trasande recommends avoiding microwaving or dishwashing plastic containers, as heat can break down the plastic lining and increase chemical absorption.
Additionally, using unscented lotions and laundry detergents, selecting cleaning products without added fragrances, and opting for glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wooden containers for food storage can help. Regular handwashing is also encouraged to remove chemical residues.