Latest news with #DEHP-related
India Today
23-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Heart attacks : Plastic takes a deadly toll
It's common knowledge that plastic is killing us slowly, but now there's proof that they even cause heart attacks. And India is the worst affected, accounting for almost a third of the global fatalities linked to DEHP-related cardiovascular diseases. And what is DEHP? Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is part of plastic compounds known as phthalates, a group of synthetic chemicals used as plasticisers to increase flexibility and durability in plastics, particularly the popular PVC (polyvinyl chloride). DEHP is the most commonly used phthalate.
Economic Times
30-04-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Found in shampoo and curtains, this toxic chemical in your home could be killing you: Study warns
A new global study has linked the plastic additive di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), commonly found in household items and personal care products, to over 356,000 cardiovascular-related deaths in 2018 among people aged 55 to 64. The research, published in eBiomedicine, highlights how phthalates can trigger inflammation in the heart, contributing to fatal outcomes. Regions like South Asia, East Asia, and the Middle East accounted for nearly 75% of the deaths, with India reporting the highest toll. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Cardiovascular Inflammation and Hormonal Disruption Global and Economic Impact Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Minimizing Daily Exposure A groundbreaking global study has drawn attention to the significant health risks posed by phthalates—synthetic chemicals found in many common plastic products. Researchers from New York University's Grossman School of Medicine have linked exposure to one particular phthalate, Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), to over 356,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease in 2018 among people aged 55 to used to make plastics more flexible, is found in a broad range of consumer goods including food packaging, vinyl flooring, shower curtains, shampoo, cosmetics, and even medical devices like IV bags and catheters. The study, published in The Lancet eBiomedicine, examined exposure levels in 200 countries and territories using urine samples to estimate how much of the broken-down chemical had entered individuals' bodies. The results were then compared to global cardiovascular death statistics from the Institute for Health Metrics and to senior study author Dr. Leonardo Trasande, DEHP contributes to 'inflammation and systemic inflammation in the coronary arteries,' which may worsen existing heart conditions and potentially result in fatal outcomes. Dr. Trasande also emphasized the role of phthalates as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormones that regulate essential biological functions such as metabolism and heart are already well known for their link to male reproductive issues, including reduced sperm count, testosterone disruption, and genital abnormalities. They have also been associated with asthma, obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers. DEHP, in particular, is listed under California's Proposition 65 for its potential to cause reproductive harm and burden of DEHP-related cardiovascular deaths is not evenly distributed. India reported the highest number of such deaths—over 103,000—followed by China and Indonesia. Collectively, regions including the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific accounted for nearly 75% of these fatalities. These areas also face heightened exposure due to rapid industrialization and fewer regulatory restrictions on plastic the study did not establish direct causation, it is considered the first to provide a global estimate of cardiovascular deaths linked to phthalate exposure. Researchers estimate the economic cost of these deaths to range from $510 billion to over $3.7 trillion due to lost how prevalent phthalates are, avoiding them entirely may be difficult. However, experts suggest several practical steps to reduce exposure. Consumers are advised not to microwave food in plastic containers, as heat can cause the chemicals to leach into food. Using glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers for food storage is recommended. Additionally, people should opt for fragrance-free personal care and cleaning products, avoid air fresheners, and check plastic recycling labels—steering clear of products marked with codes 3, 6, and 7.'Reducing your use of ultraprocessed foods can reduce the levels of chemical exposures,' said Dr. Trasande, who also leads the NYU Center for the Investigation of Environmental stressed the urgency for stricter global regulations on DEHP and other phthalates, especially in regions with high usage and weak chemical oversight. '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,' stated lead author Sara Hyman.
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Chemicals used in cosmetics and household goods linked to 350,000 deaths every year, warn experts
CHEMICALS added to household goods and cosmetics could be linked to more than 356,000 global deaths each year, scientists warn. Called phthalates, the chemicals are often added to plastic items like food containers, as well as makeup, shampoo, nail varnish, hair spray and perfume. 1 They also crop up in detergents, solvents, plastic toys and bug repellents. These chemicals break down into microscopic particles and are ingested, with studies suggesting that frequent exposure to them could cause health problems. Research has previously linked phthalate exposure to an increased risk of such as obesity, diabetes, fertility issues and even cancer. Now, researchers from NYU Langone Health say hundreds of thousands of global deaths from heart disease could be linked to phthalates. They suggested that 356,000 people may have died from phthalate-related heart disease in 2018 alone. Their study focused on a kind of phthalate called di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), which is used to make food containers, medical equipment, and other plastic items softer and more flexible. "The past decade has presented a new and previously unrecognised risk for cardiovascular disease: exposure to plastic polymers and their chemical additives," they wrote in the journal eBiomedicine. "Of particular concern are phthalates, particularly one class of DEHP, which are used to soften polyvinylchloride (PVC) plastics." Previous research has suggested that frequent DEHP exposure may trigger an overactive immune response or inflammation in the heart's arteries, which over time is associated with increased risk of heart attack or stroke. They examined the impact of DEHP on global deaths across 200 countries and territories, using health and environmental data, as well as urine samples containing chemical breakdown products left by the plastic additive. The 6 everyday items 'poisoning' you with toxic plastics linked to cancer The authors estimated that DEHP exposure contributed to 356,238 deaths in 2018 among men and women aged 55 to 64. They said this accounted for more than 13 percent of all global deaths from heart disease. Lead author Sara Hyman, an associate research scientist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, said: '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." While phthalates are widely used across the world, they found people in the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific were more vulnerable to health effects. Three fourths of the 356,238 deaths occurred in these regions. "Our study provides, to the best of our knowledge, a previously unknown global estimation of the burden of cardiovascular mortality attributable to DEHP exposure," researchers said. "The present disease burden model not only quantifies DEHP-related cardiovascular deaths but also highlights significant geographic disparities, showing that regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia bear the highest burden of DEHP-attributable deaths. "By focusing on plastic production, consumption, and disposal our findings demonstrate the wide-reaching public health implications of DEHP exposure and how plastic-related chemicals disproportionately impact countries on the Asian continent." What you need to know about phthalates Phthalates are chemical compounds mainly used as plasticisers - additives that make plastic flexible. There has been increased focus on phthalates due to their widespread use in our everyday products, and because there are more and more studies that suggest that phthalates may cause long-term adverse health effects. Here are some of the product categories that may contain phthalates: Plastic toys Coatings Cosmetics and personal care Wood finishes Detergents Adhesives Plastic FCMs and other plastic materials Lubricants Solvents Insecticides Building materials India had the highest death count, at 103,587 deaths, followed by China and Indonesia. Researchers said a possible explanation for this could be that these countries face higher rates of exposure to the chemicals, possibly because they are undergoing a boom in plastic production but with fewer manufacturing restrictions than other regions. Senior author Dr Leonardo Trasande said: 'There is a clear disparity in which parts of the world bear the brunt of heightened heart risks from phthalates. "Our results underscore the urgent need for global regulations to reduce exposure to these toxins, especially in areas most affected by rapid industrialisation and plastic consumption." Dr Trasande noted that the study doesn't show that that DEHP is the lone or direct cause of heart disease, nor did researchers take into account the possible health risks of other types of phthalates. The researchers also didn't examine other age groups except 55 to 64-year-olds. As a result, the overall death toll from heart disease connected to these chemicals is likely much higher, Dr Trasande claimed. Researchers next plan to track how reductions in phthalate exposure may, over time, affect global mortality rates, as well as to expand the study to other health concerns posed by the chemicals, such as premature birth.
Economic Times
29-04-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
The plastic in your home could literally be putting your heart at risk and here's how to avoid it
TIL Creatives Phthalates are nearly unavoidable — they're present in countless products, from PVC pipes to personal care items. According to the CDC, people are exposed through contaminated air, food, and drinks. (Representative Image) A chemical commonly found in everyday consumer products — such as food storage containers, shampoo, makeup, perfume, and children's toys — may be contributing to heart attacks, according to a new study. Researchers at NYU Langone's environmental initiative discovered that synthetic chemicals known as phthalates — widely used in consumer goods — were linked to more than 10% of global deaths from heart disease in 2018 among men and women aged 55 to 64, CNN reported. "Phthalates contribute to inflammation and systemic inflammation in the coronary arteries, which can accelerate existing disease and lead to acute events, including mortality," said Dr. Leonardo Trasande, who leads NYU Langone's environmental initiatives. Previous research has already associated phthalates with reproductive issues, such as lower testosterone levels in males, as well as with conditions like asthma and obesity. David Andrews from the Environmental Working Group emphasized the importance of the new findings in an email response. Meanwhile, the American Chemistry Council declined to comment directly but pointed to the efforts of its High Phthalates Panel to promote the safe use of certain phthalates. Phthalates are nearly unavoidable — they're present in countless products, from PVC pipes to personal care items. According to the CDC, people are exposed through contaminated air, food, and drinks. The new study, published in eBioMedicine, examined the impact of Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) exposure across 200 global regions. It found that DEHP exposure contributed to 368,764 deaths worldwide in 2018 among those aged 55-64. Africa accounted for 30% of these deaths, while East Asia and the Middle East together made up another 25%. Lead researcher Sara Hyman noted that this marks the first global estimate of DEHP-related health consequences. A previous U.S.-focused study by Trasande's team suggested that phthalates may contribute to 91,000 to 107,000 premature deaths annually among Americans aged 55 to 64, with estimated economic losses between $40 billion and $47 billion each year. How to Reduce Your Exposure to Phthalates: Avoid plastic containers, especially when microwaving or washing them in dishwashers. Choose unscented lotions and laundry detergents. Use cleaning products without added fragrances. Store food in glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wooden containers. Opt for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables instead of canned goods. Wash hands frequently to remove chemical residues. Avoid air fresheners and plastics labeled with recycling codes No. 3, No. 6, and No. 7.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
The plastic in your home could literally be putting your heart at risk and here's how to avoid it
A recent study links phthalates, chemicals prevalent in everyday items, to a significant number of heart disease deaths globally. The research, focusing on DEHP exposure, estimates over 368,000 deaths in 2018 among individuals aged 55-64. Experts recommend reducing phthalate exposure by avoiding certain plastics and fragranced products, and opting for fresh foods and alternative storage containers. Phthalates are nearly unavoidable — they're present in countless products, from PVC pipes to personal care items. According to the CDC, people are exposed through contaminated air, food, and drinks. (Representative Image) Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Avoid plastic containers, especially when microwaving or washing them in dishwashers. Choose unscented lotions and laundry detergents. Use cleaning products without added fragrances. Store food in glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wooden containers. Opt for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables instead of canned goods. Wash hands frequently to remove chemical residues. Avoid air fresheners and plastics labeled with recycling codes No. 3, No. 6, and No. 7. A chemical commonly found in everyday consumer products — such as food storage containers, shampoo, makeup, perfume, and children's toys — may be contributing to heart attacks, according to a new at NYU Langone 's environmental initiative discovered that synthetic chemicals known as phthalates — widely used in consumer goods — were linked to more than 10% of global deaths from heart disease in 2018 among men and women aged 55 to 64, CNN reported."Phthalates contribute to inflammation and systemic inflammation in the coronary arteries, which can accelerate existing disease and lead to acute events, including mortality," said Dr. Leonardo Trasande, who leads NYU Langone's environmental research has already associated phthalates with reproductive issues, such as lower testosterone levels in males, as well as with conditions like asthma and obesity. David Andrews from the Environmental Working Group emphasized the importance of the new findings in an email response. Meanwhile, the American Chemistry Council declined to comment directly but pointed to the efforts of its High Phthalates Panel to promote the safe use of certain are nearly unavoidable — they're present in countless products, from PVC pipes to personal care items. According to the CDC, people are exposed through contaminated air, food, and new study, published in eBioMedicine, examined the impact of Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) exposure across 200 global regions. It found that DEHP exposure contributed to 368,764 deaths worldwide in 2018 among those aged 55-64. Africa accounted for 30% of these deaths, while East Asia and the Middle East together made up another 25%. Lead researcher Sara Hyman noted that this marks the first global estimate of DEHP-related health consequences.A previous U.S.-focused study by Trasande's team suggested that phthalates may contribute to 91,000 to 107,000 premature deaths annually among Americans aged 55 to 64, with estimated economic losses between $40 billion and $47 billion each year.
