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Time of India
29-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Study links these 'Everywhere Chemicals' to thousands of global deaths from heart disease
A groundbreaking new study has uncovered a potentially significant link between phthalates, synthetic chemicals prevalent in numerous consumer products, and mortality from heart disease. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Researchers estimate that exposure to these "everywhere chemicals," found in items ranging from food storage containers to cosmetics and children's toys, may have contributed to over 10% of all global heart disease deaths in 2018 among individuals aged 55 to 64. The study's senior author, Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a professor at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine, explained the mechanism behind this connection to CNN. "Phthalates contribute to inflammation and systemic inflammation in the coronary arteries, which can accelerate existing disease and lead to acute events including mortality," he stated. Dr. Trasande also directs NYU Langone's Division of Environmental Pediatrics and the Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards. Prior research has already associated phthalate exposure with various health issues, including reproductive problems, such as genital malformations in male infants and reduced sperm counts and testosterone levels in adult men. Furthermore, studies have linked these chemicals to asthma, childhood obesity, and cancer. David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group, a consumer advocacy organization focused on chemical exposure, commented on the new findings. In an email to CNN, he stated, "The new study underscores the potentially enormous health and economic burden of DEHP exposure, which aligns with existing concerns about its risks." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Andrews was not involved in the research. The American Chemistry Council, representing the industry, declined to offer specific comments on the study. However, they informed CNN via email about the High Phthalates Panel's dedication to promoting the benefits of certain high phthalates like DINP and DIDP. Phthalates are widely used to enhance the flexibility and durability of plastics found in PVC pipes, vinyl flooring, rainwear, medical tubing, garden hoses, and some children's toys. Additionally, they are commonly found in food packaging, detergents, clothing, furniture, and automotive plastics. These chemicals are also added to personal care products such as shampoo, soap, hair spray, and cosmetics to extend the longevity of fragrances. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, human exposure occurs primarily through inhalation of contaminated air and the ingestion of food and beverages that have come into contact with plastic containing phthalates. Minimizing Phthalate Exposure: Expert Advice Health experts emphasize that individuals can take proactive steps to reduce their exposure to phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Dr. Trasande advised, "Avoid plastics as much as you can. Reducing your use of ultraprocessed foods can reduce the levels of the chemical exposures you come in contact with. Never put plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher, where the heat can break down the linings so they might be absorbed more readily." Simple tips to protect yourself from these Dangerous Chemicals * Opting for unscented lotions and laundry detergents. * Choosing cleaning supplies without added fragrances. * Using glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wood containers for food storage and consumption. * Prioritizing fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables over canned and processed alternatives. * Practicing frequent handwashing to remove potential chemical residues.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Common household plastics linked to thousands of global deaths from heart disease, study finds
Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being. Synthetic chemicals called phthalates, found in consumer products such as food storage containers, shampoo, makeup, perfume and children's toys, may have contributed to more than 10% of all global mortality from heart disease in 2018 among men and women ages 55 through 64, a new study found. 'Phthalates contribute to inflammation and systemic inflammation in the coronary arteries, which can accelerate existing disease and lead to acute events including mortality,' said senior author Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a professor of pediatrics and population health at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine. He also is director of NYU Langone's Division of Environmental Pediatrics and Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards. 'Phthalates are known to disrupt testosterone,' Trasande said, adding that in men, 'low testosterone is a predictor of adult cardiovascular disease.' Phthalates have been linked in earlier studies with reproductive problems, such as genital malformations and undescended testes in baby boys and lower sperm counts and testosterone levels in adult males. Studies have also linked phthalates to asthma, childhood obesity and cancer. 'The new study underscores the potentially enormous health and economic burden of DEHP exposure, which aligns with existing concerns about its risks,' said David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group, a consumer organization that monitors exposure to phthalates and other chemicals in plastics, in an email. He was not involved with the study. The American Chemistry Council, which represents industry, declined to comment on the study but told CNN via email that the organization's High Phthalates Panel is dedicated to promoting the benefits of high phthalates such as DINP and DIDP. Often called 'everywhere chemicals' because they are so common, phthalates are added to consumer products such as PVC plumbing pipes, vinyl flooring, rain- and stain-resistant products, medical tubing, garden hoses and some children's toys to make the plastic more flexible and harder to break. Other common exposures come from the use of phthalates in food packaging, detergents, clothing, furniture and automotive plastics. Phthalates are also added to personal care items such as shampoo, soap, hair spray and cosmetics to make fragrances last longer. People are exposed when they breathe contaminated air or eat or drink foods that come into contact with the plastic, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The new study, published Tuesday in the journal eBiomedicine, examined the impact of one phthalate — Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, or DEHP — on global deaths across 200 countries and territories. Researchers analyzed health and environmental data from dozens of population surveys, which included urine samples containing chemical breakdown products left by DEHP, which is known to be connected to cardiovascular disease, Trasande said. Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate has also been linked to birth defects, cancer and reproductive harm for men, according to California's Proposition 65, a law that requires companies to place warning labels on products notifying consumers about chemicals' possible health effects. Researchers compared the exposure with death statistics collected by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a US research group that gathers global medical information. The analysis found exposure to DEHP contributed to 368,764 deaths in 2018 among men and women ages 55 through 64 globally. Africa accounted for 30% of the deaths from heart disease linked to DEHP, while East Asia and the Middle East accounted for 25% of the mortality, the study found. The research is believed to be the first global estimate of any health outcome from exposure to the DEHP, said lead study 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. A limitation of the research, however, stems from the use of hazard ratios the US to estimate population-attributable deaths in other countries, EWG's Andrews said. 'While the authors acknowledge this limitation, it assumes that the relationship between DEHP exposure and cardiovascular disease is consistent globally,' he said in an email. 'This may not hold true given significant differences in both exposure levels and access to CVD detection and treatment across countries.' Previous research by Trasande and his team measured the urine concentration of phthalates in more than 5,000 adults in the United States and compared those levels with the risk of early death over an average of 10 years. In that study, the researchers found phthalates may contribute to some 91,000 to 107,000 premature deaths a year among Americans ages 55 to 64. People with the highest levels of phthalates had a greater risk of death from any cause, especially cardiovascular mortality, according to the study. The results held even after researchers controlled for preexisting heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other common conditions, poor eating habits, physical activity and body mass, and levels of other known hormone disruptors such as bisphenol A or BPA. Researchers estimated those deaths could cost the United States about $40 billion to $47 billion each year in lost economic productivity. It is possible to minimize your exposure to phthalates and other endocrine disruptors, experts say. 'Avoid plastics as much as you can. Reducing your use of ultraprocessed foods can reduce the levels of the chemical exposures you come in contact with,' Trasande said. 'Never put plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher, where the heat can break down the linings so they might be absorbed more readily.' Here are other tips to reduce exposure: · Use unscented lotions and laundry detergents. · Use cleaning supplies without scents. · Use glass, stainless steel, ceramic or wood to hold and store foods. · Buy fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables instead of canned and processed versions. · Encourage frequent handwashing to remove chemicals from hands. · Avoid air fresheners and all plastics labeled as No. 3, No. 6 and No. 7.
Egypt Independent
29-04-2025
- Health
- Egypt Independent
Common household plastics linked to thousands of global deaths from heart disease, study finds
CNN — Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being. Synthetic chemicals called phthalates, found in consumer products such as food storage containers, shampoo, makeup, perfume and children's toys, may have contributed to more than 10% of all global mortality from heart disease in 2018 among men and women ages 55 through 64, a new study found. 'Phthalates contribute to inflammation and systemic inflammation in the coronary arteries, which can accelerate existing disease and lead to acute events including mortality,' said senior author Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a professor of pediatrics and population health at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine. He also is director of NYU Langone's Division of Environmental Pediatrics and Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards. 'Phthalates are known to disrupt testosterone,' Trasande said, adding that in men, 'low testosterone is a predictor of adult cardiovascular disease.' Phthalates have been linked in earlier studies with reproductive problems, such as genital malformations and undescended testes in baby boys and lower sperm counts and testosterone levels in adult males. Studies have also linked phthalates to asthma, childhood obesity and cancer. 'The new study underscores the potentially enormous health and economic burden of DEHP exposure, which aligns with existing concerns about its risks,' said David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group, a consumer organization that monitors exposure to phthalates and other chemicals in plastics, in an email. He was not involved with the study. The American Chemistry Council, which represents industry, declined to comment on the study but told CNN via email that the organization's High Phthalates Panel is dedicated to promoting the benefits of high phthalates such as DINP and DIDP. Phthalates exposure and risk Often called 'everywhere chemicals' because they are so common, phthalates are added to consumer products such as PVC plumbing pipes, vinyl flooring, rain- and stain-resistant products, medical tubing, garden hoses and some children's toys to make the plastic more flexible and harder to break. Other common exposures come from the use of phthalates in food packaging, detergents, clothing, furniture and automotive plastics. Phthalates are also added to personal care items such as shampoo, soap, hair spray and cosmetics to make fragrances last longer. People are exposed when they breathe contaminated air or eat or drink foods that come into contact with the plastic, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A global study The new study, published Tuesday in the journal eBiomedicine, examined the impact of one phthalate — Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, or DEHP — on global deaths across 200 countries and territories. Researchers analyzed health and environmental data from dozens of population surveys, which included urine samples containing chemical breakdown products left by DEHP, which is known to be connected to cardiovascular disease, Trasande said. Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate has also been linked to birth defects, cancer and reproductive harm for men, according to California's Proposition 65, a law that requires companies to place warning labels on products notifying consumers about chemicals' possible health effects. Researchers compared the exposure with death statistics collected by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a US research group that gathers global medical information. The analysis found exposure to DEHP contributed to 368,764 deaths in 2018 among men and women ages 55 through 64 globally. Africa accounted for 30% of the deaths from heart disease linked to DEHP, while East Asia and the Middle East accounted for 25% of the mortality, the study found. The research is believed to be the first global estimate of any health outcome from exposure to the DEHP, said lead study 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. A limitation of the research, however, stems from the use of hazard ratios the US to estimate population-attributable deaths in other countries, EWG's Andrews said. 'While the authors acknowledge this limitation, it assumes that the relationship between DEHP exposure and cardiovascular disease is consistent globally,' he said in an email. 'This may not hold true given significant differences in both exposure levels and access to CVD detection and treatment across countries.' An earlier phthalates study analyzed US data Previous research by Trasande and his team measured the urine concentration of phthalates in more than 5,000 adults in the United States and compared those levels with the risk of early death over an average of 10 years. In that study, the researchers found phthalates may contribute to some 91,000 to 107,000 premature deaths a year among Americans ages 55 to 64. People with the highest levels of phthalates had a greater risk of death from any cause, especially cardiovascular mortality, according to the study. The results held even after researchers controlled for preexisting heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other common conditions, poor eating habits, physical activity and body mass, and levels of other known hormone disruptors such as bisphenol A or BPA. Researchers estimated those deaths could cost the United States about $40 billion to $47 billion each year in lost economic productivity. Pack your food in metal, ceramic or glass containers, experts suggest, and never microwave food in plastic. Westend61/Getty Images How to limit your exposure It is possible to minimize your exposure to phthalates and other endocrine disruptors, experts say. 'Avoid plastics as much as you can. Reducing your use of ultraprocessed foods can reduce the levels of the chemical exposures you come in contact with,' Trasande said. 'Never put plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher, where the heat can break down the linings so they might be absorbed more readily.' Here are other tips to reduce exposure: · Use unscented lotions and laundry detergents. · Use cleaning supplies without scents. · Use glass, stainless steel, ceramic or wood to hold and store foods. · Buy fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables instead of canned and processed versions. · Encourage frequent handwashing to remove chemicals from hands. · Avoid air fresheners and all plastics labeled as No. 3, No. 6 and No. 7.
CTV News
29-04-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Common household plastics linked to thousands of global deaths from heart disease, study finds
Storing food in plastic containers exposes you to potentially dangerous chemicals that can lead from the plastic into the food, experts say. (ZeynepKaya/iStockphoto/Getty Images via CNN Newsource) Synthetic chemicals called phthalates, found in consumer products such as food storage containers, shampoo, makeup, perfume and children's toys, may have contributed to more than 10 per cent of all global mortality from heart disease in 2018 among men and women ages 55 through 64, a new study found. 'Phthalates contribute to inflammation and systemic inflammation in the coronary arteries, which can accelerate existing disease and lead to acute events including mortality,' said senior author Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a professor of pediatrics and population health at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine. He also is director of NYU Langone's Division of Environmental Pediatrics and Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards. 'Phthalates are known to disrupt testosterone,' Trasande said, adding that in men, 'low testosterone is a predictor of adult cardiovascular disease.' Phthalates have been linked in earlier studies with reproductive problems, such as genital malformations and undescended testes in baby boys and lower sperm counts and testosterone levels in adult males. Studies have also linked phthalates to asthma, childhood obesity and cancer. 'The new study underscores the potentially enormous health and economic burden of DEHP exposure, which aligns with existing concerns about its risks,' said David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group, a consumer organization that monitors exposure to phthalates and other chemicals in plastics, in an email. He was not involved with the study. The American Chemistry Council, which represents industry, declined to comment on the study but told CNN via email that the organization's High Phthalates Panel is dedicated to promoting the benefits of high phthalates such as DINP and DIDP. Phthalates exposure and risk Often called 'everywhere chemicals' because they are so common, phthalates are added to consumer products such as PVC plumbing pipes, vinyl flooring, rain- and stain-resistant products, medical tubing, garden hoses and some children's toys to make the plastic more flexible and harder to break. Other common exposures come from the use of phthalates in food packaging, detergents, clothing, furniture and automotive plastics. Phthalates are also added to personal care items such as shampoo, soap, hair spray and cosmetics to make fragrances last longer. People are exposed when they breathe contaminated air or eat or drink foods that come into contact with the plastic, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A global study The new study, published Tuesday in the journal eBiomedicine, examined the impact of one phthalate — Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, or DEHP — on global deaths across 200 countries and territories. Researchers analyzed health and environmental data from dozens of population surveys, which included urine samples containing chemical breakdown products left by DEHP, which is known to be connected to cardiovascular disease, Trasande said. Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate has also been linked to birth defects, cancer and reproductive harm for men, according to California's Proposition 65, a law that requires companies to place warning labels on products notifying consumers about chemicals' possible health effects. Researchers compared the exposure with death statistics collected by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a US research group that gathers global medical information. The analysis found exposure to DEHP contributed to 368,764 deaths in 2018 among men and women ages 55 through 64 globally. Africa accounted for 30% of the deaths from heart disease linked to DEHP, while East Asia and the Middle East accounted for 25% of the mortality, the study found. The research is believed to be the first global estimate of any health outcome from exposure to the DEHP, said lead study 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. A limitation of the research, however, stems from the use of hazard ratios the US to estimate population-attributable deaths in other countries, EWG's Andrews said. 'While the authors acknowledge this limitation, it assumes that the relationship between DEHP exposure and cardiovascular disease is consistent globally,' he said in an email. 'This may not hold true given significant differences in both exposure levels and access to CVD detection and treatment across countries.' An earlier phthalates study analyzed US data Previous research by Trasande and his team measured the urine concentration of phthalates in more than 5,000 adults in the United States and compared those levels with the risk of early death over an average of 10 years. In that study, the researchers found phthalates may contribute to some 91,000 to 107,000 premature deaths a year among Americans ages 55 to 64. People with the highest levels of phthalates had a greater risk of death from any cause, especially cardiovascular mortality, according to the study. The results held even after researchers controlled for preexisting heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other common conditions, poor eating habits, physical activity and body mass, and levels of other known hormone disruptors such as bisphenol A or BPA. Researchers estimated those deaths could cost the United States about $40 billion to $47 billion each year in lost economic productivity. How to limit your exposure It is possible to minimize your exposure to phthalates and other endocrine disruptors, experts say. 'Avoid plastics as much as you can. Reducing your use of ultraprocessed foods can reduce the levels of the chemical exposures you come in contact with,' Trasande said. 'Never put plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher, where the heat can break down the linings so they might be absorbed more readily.' Here are other tips to reduce exposure:
Express Tribune
29-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Chemicals in Household Plastics Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Disease Deaths, Study Finds
Listen to article 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.
