5 days ago
These 7 Everyday Household Items Could Increase Your Risk Of Health Issues, Including Heart Disease
A new study suggests hundreds of thousands of deaths globally are linked to a certain phthalate chemical exposure (DEHP) in plastics.
Specifically, they've been linked to cardiovascular-related deaths.
DEHP is a type of phthalate, that is commonly added to plastics to make them more flexible. Here are some products where you might find them at home.
Research has consistently shown that we should be wary of plastics—and that also goes for the chemicals used to make them, like phthalates. And while it's nearly impossible to fully avoid plastics in your day-to-day, a new study suggests you might want to try a little harder to limit how much you interact with the material, because it has been linked with serious heart issues.
The study, which was published in the journal eBioMedicine, linked a specific type of phthalate called di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) to cardiovascular-related deaths. Phthalates have been associated with a slew of other serious health complications, including endocrine disruption and fertility issues, by the way.
Here's what the latest study found, plus what doctors recommend doing with this info.
Meet the experts: Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University. Yu-Ming Ni, MD, cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA. Yanting Wang, MD, cardiologist and assistant professor of medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
For the study, researchers analyzed data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a global health research center, along with estimates of regional DEHP exposure.
The researchers found that, in 2018, an estimated 356,238 deaths globally were linked to DEHP exposure. Those made up nearly 13.5 percent of all cardiovascular deaths in people between the ages of 55 and 64. Of those, 349,113 were linked to people using plastics. People in some areas of the world that have booming plastic industries saw more of an association than others.
'The findings underscore the need for urgent global and local regulatory interventions to [curb] mortality from DEHP exposure,' the researchers wrote in the conclusion.
DEHP is a type of phthalate, and it's commonly added to plastics to make them more flexible, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
DEHP is a colorless liquid that is especially prevalent in vinyl materials, which may contain up to 40 percent DEHP, per the CDC. DEHP can also be found in a bunch of common goods you interact with regularly, including certain types of flooring, wall coverings, and even your shoes.
It's important to note that the study is observational, meaning it didn't find that exposure to phthalates actually caused these cardiovascular deaths. Instead, it just found a link. 'There may be unknown factors that can explain this rise in death related to phthalates,' says Yu-Ming Ni, MD, cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA.
Still, it's entirely possible that phthalate exposure may raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and death, says Cheng-Han Chen, MD, cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA. 'Previous studies have linked phthalates found in plastic to increased inflammation in the bloodstream as well as cardiometabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity,' he points out. 'These problems could then lead to increased morbidity and mortality from heart disease.'
However, Dr. Ni stresses that more research is needed.
Some exposure to plastics, phthalates, and DEHP is bound to happen in the world we live in. "As with many chemicals that we are exposed to long-term, it's likely that the totally cumulative exposure over a lifetime is important," says Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University. So, she recommends doing that you can to limit your exposure.
Experts singled out seven specific items that you should probably try to avoid, if you can:
Plastic water bottles. Dr. Ni recommends focusing on reusable containers for liquids, like metal or ceramic water bottles.
Certain shampoos. "If you find a phthalate-free shampoo that is affordable and that works, that can decrease exposure," Alan says.
Plastic cookware. Putting plastic cookware, like plastic spatulas, in hot items raises the risk that phthalates will end up in your food, per Dr. Ni.
Plastic utensils. Putting these products directly into your mouth raises your risk of exposure, Dr. Ni explains.
Takeout containers. These are often made with plastic that can leach into your food, per Dr. Ni.
Plastic food storage containers. Like plastic takeout containers, these can also result in phthalate exposure for your food, especially if you heat them up, Alan says.
Other personal care products. Phthalates show up in a range of personal care products, making it important to look for products like soaps and hairspray without the chemicals, Alan says. (Labels will typically say "phthalate-free.")
Of course, this stuff is everywhere, making it hard to avoid entirely. "My best advice is to reduce exposure where it makes sense," Alan says.
It's also important to try to cut back on how many plastic products you buy. "Based on the available evidence, it is important we strive to limit the amount of plastic produced and ensure proper disposal for both environmental and biological health," says Yanting Wang, MD, cardiologist and assistant professor of medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
You Might Also Like
Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream
These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
