Latest news with #eBiomedicine
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.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Hidden chemicals in household plastics are silently killing your heart, study warns
Sometimes the most dangerous things may come in the most harmless packages. Everyday plastic products, with their convenience, affordability, and durability have become indispensable in modern times. However, a new study published in the journal eBiomedicine, says the synthetic chemicals called phthalates found in these items pose an early death risk due to heart disease . It's alarming to know that everyday items we rely on like shampoo, storage containers, or makeup products, can be endangering our lives silently as the chemicals hidden in them could be contributing to more than 10% of all global mortality from heart disease in 2018 among men and women in the age group of 55-64, according to the new study. Phthalates are added to make plastics more durable, flexible and soft, however, they may trigger inflammation in the coronary arteries, which could lead to cardiac events linked to death. "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. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pernas e pés inchados: Experimente isso para ajudar a drenar o fluído do edema aartedoherbalismo Undo Phthalates have been blamed for reproductive problems in men for a very long time now. They are known to disrupt testosterone, cause genital malformations and lower sperm counts and testosterone levels in men. The chemicals are also linked to asthma, childhood obesity and cancer. The astonishing findings of the new study Researchers studied the effect of Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, or DEHP, on global deaths across 200 countries and territories. The analysis drew on health and environmental data from various population surveys, including urine samples containing breakdown products of DEHP, a chemical linked to cardiovascular disease. Researchers compared chemical exposure levels with death data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, which tracks global health statistics. It was found that exposure to DEHP contributed to 368,764 deaths in 2018 among men and women in the age group of 55-64 around the world. While Africa had 30% of the deaths from heart disease linked to DEHP, East Asia and the Middle East accounted for 25% of the mortality, according to the study. '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,' the researcher said in a statement. Everyday products that have phthalates Phthalates that make your plastic products more durable and attractive are found in food storage containers, plastic wrap, shampoo, lotion, makeup, perfume, vinyl flooring, and even children's toys. Because they are not tightly bound to the materials they are in, phthalates can easily leach into food, air, and skin, making the exposure nearly unavoidable in daily life. Simple tips to reduce phthalates exposure Avoid heating plastic : Never microwave or dishwash plastic containers. Heat can cause harmful chemicals to leach into your food. Choose fragrance-free products : Use unscented lotions, laundry detergents, and cleaning supplies to avoid hidden chemical additives. Store food safely : Use glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wood containers instead of plastic for food storage. Buy fresh fruits and veggies : Choose fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables over canned or processed options to limit exposure. Wash your hands often: Regular handwashing helps remove chemical residues picked up from surfaces or products. Skip air fresheners : Avoid air fresheners, which can release phthalates and other endocrine disruptors into your home. Check plastic labels: Steer clear of plastics marked with recycling codes No. 3 (PVC), No. 6 (polystyrene), and No. 7 (other), as they may contain phthalates.
Scottish Sun
29-04-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Chemicals used in cosmetics and household goods linked to 350,000 deaths every year, warn experts
Everything you need to know about the chemical - from items it's commonly found in to other possible health effects 'TREMENDOUS DANGER' 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. Advertisement 1 Phthalates are added to some cosmetics as well as household goods Credit: Getty 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. Advertisement 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." Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement "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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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.
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.
Business Mayor
27-04-2025
- Health
- Business Mayor
Climate change is spoiling food faster, making hundreds of millions of people sick around the world
Global warming has made it easier for bacteria and other germs to contaminate the food supply, and this little-discussed danger of climate change is teaching painful and sometimes life-threatening lessons to hundreds of millions of people every year. One of them is Sumitra Sutar, 75, of Haroli village in India's Maharashtra state. Five years ago Sutar was eating leftover rice and lentil curry, her staple food for more than five decades. This time, her routine meal caused her to start vomiting 'at least 15 times a day,' she recalled recently. Eventually, she learned the culprit was a foodborne bacteria that produces toxins that can lead to vomiting, eye inflammation, and respiratory tract infections. Global warming has made the world more welcoming for the pathogen, Bacillus cereus, to grow in food stored after cooking. One study found that domestic rice cooking can be insufficient to inactivate its spores. Researchers and health workers are sounding the alarm: The food supply is vulnerable to greater spoilage due to more frequent extreme heat, floods and droughts, boosting the risk of contamination and outbreaks of foodborne diseases. Extreme heat can hasten food spoilage by allowing bacteria to multiply faster, experts say. Rising waters from severe floods can contaminate crops with sewage or other unwanted waste products, while higher humidity can promote growth of salmonella bacteria on lettuce and other produce eaten raw. The World Health Organization estimates that 600 million people fall sick every year from foodborne diseases, leading to 420,000 deaths. Children under five years old are at especially high risk, and every year 125,000 children lose their lives because of such largely preventable diseases. Many factors including farming practices and global food supply chains have made such problems much more prevalent, and a growing body of research has highlighted how climate change also plays a big role. A review study published in eBiomedicine this year found that for every 1.8 F (1 C) rise in temperature, the threat of non-typhoidal salmonella and campylobacter, bacteria that can make people sick, usually by causing food poisoning, increased by 5%. Related: How does E. coli get into food? A greenhouse for germs Sutar's village has reported a severe rise in the temperature in the past decade, with summer heat that can top 109.4 F (43 C). Many people across the region have reported a rise in foodborne illnesses, says community health care worker Padmashri Sutar, also Sumitra Sutar's daughter-in-law. Read More Starwatch: moon makes passing encounter with Jupiter Get the world's most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox. A review article published in Climatic Change noted that higher temperatures and changing precipitation patterns lead to the proliferation of foodborne pathogens, including the most common: salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Campylobacter jejuni. 'Increased temperatures promote the growth of bacteria like listeria, campylobacter and salmonella in perishable foods like meat, dairy and seafood,' said one of its authors, Ahmed Hamad, lecturer of food hygiene and control at Egypt's Benha University. A study from northwestern Mexico examined how environmental factors influenced the outbreak of salmonella species, the bacteria responsible for many foodborne diseases globally. It found the maximum prevalence in areas with higher temperatures between 35 and 37 °C (95-98.6 F) and annual precipitation greater than 1,000 mm (39.4 inches). Another paper published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology this year found climate change will increase the risk of foodborne diseases caused by Salmonella enterica, noting that high humidity boosts salmonella growth. This bacteria already affects 1.2 million people in the U.S. annually. In extreme heat, ready-to-eat products pose a higher risk of causing foodborne illnesses, warns Hudaa Neetoo, associate professor in microbiology and food safety at the University of Mauritius. 'During heat waves, the level of pathogenic microorganisms in these products can increase considerably and attain a level sufficient to cause illness because they do not require any final heat-killing step.' Along with heat waves, she said, flooding can cause manure runoff from adjacent animal pastures to croplands, contaminating agricultural produce including salads, vegetables and leafy greens meant to be consumed raw. 'Animal manure can harbor human pathogens such as enteropathogenic E. coli, salmonella and campylobacter, and research has found that domestic washing alone is not sufficient to decontaminate produce and bring the levels of organisms down to a safe level,' she said. She also warned of systemic contamination of produce by pathogens that enter crops through the roots and become internalized and harder to get rid of. Another direct impact of flooding, overflowing sewage systems, 'can contaminate crops and water sources with harmful pathogens like salmonella, E. coli and norovirus. Flooding can also introduce pathogens into irrigation systems, increasing the risk of crop contamination,' Hamad said. Indirect effects of climate change can also lead to outbreaks of foodborne diseases. A paper published in the Journal of Health Monitoring mentioned that as fresh water becomes scarcer, treated wastewater may be used to irrigate crops, potentially carrying pathogens from animal or human feces. This can heighten the risk of contamination. 'When communities rely entirely on wastewater reuse, the primary objective must be to treat this water to a level of safety that poses no risk to consumers,' said Martin Richter, head of a food safety unit at the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment and one of the paper's authors. 'Sometimes one copy of the pathogen is enough to cause disease,' so wastewater must be thoroughly treated. He suggested prioritizing fresh water to irrigate foods typically consumed raw while using treated wastewater on crops that are generally cooked. 'Cooking food at 70 degrees Celsius [158 F] for at least two minutes destroys most of the pathogens that may be present on its surface,' he said. More precautions needed Community health care worker Padmashri Sutar says that people in her village have stopped cooking with river water and rely entirely on groundwater. 'In the past, many people in the village fell sick after drinking river water, so they completely avoid it now.' She said many people need education on the connection between climate change and foodborne illnesses. 'To make people aware of this, I give simple examples, such as the rise in frequency of food spoilage.' She also urges people to clean their water containers after floods or heavy rainfall, and she discusses how pathogens and bacteria can now contaminate vegetables and milk much more easily. People who have participated in awareness sessions now eat fewer leftovers. 'They prefer cooking fresh food now and buying only the required number of vegetables,' she said. Health care workers need more long-term data on climate change and foodborne illnesses, Neetoo said. 'Universities should conduct long-term surveillance studies and trend analysis to allow better prediction of the impact of climate change on food systems.' She also advocates researching new ways to decontaminate warehouses, containers and food products affected by floodwater. Hamad called for improving surveillance and monitoring to detect potential outbreaks early. He added that infrastructure should be improved to ensure food processing and distribution systems can withstand extreme weather events and sanitation infrastructure is robust, especially in flood-prone areas. Common misconceptions Experts stressed the need to educate people about the role of climate change in foodborne illnesses. 'Many people see climate change as purely an environmental issue, without recognizing its profound effects on public health, including the increased risks of foodborne diseases,' Hamad said. A prominent misconception is that cold weather kills all pathogens. 'Certain bacteria, like listeria, can still grow at cold temperatures, posing risks even in cooler climates,' he explained. Sutar said people often interrupt her when she talks about the reasons behind the rise in foodborne illnesses. They repeat the common belief that poor food handling is the sole reason behind these diseases. She patiently explains how climate change exacerbates the growth of pathogens in the environment and water sources. 'People don't want to accept that even climate change can lead to foodborne illness,' Sutar said, adding that many in her region don't report such illnesses because they don't take them seriously and think they're an isolated case that does not warrant public attention. Meanwhile, many other people in the area also suffer from vomiting, fever, gastrointestinal problems and several other issues because of eating contaminated food. Sutar said she has become an evangelist spreading the word about climate and the food supply. 'I ask people not only to observe the changing climatic patterns but also carefully consider what's on their plate.' This article was originally published by Yale Climate Connections. This article by Yale Climate Connections is published here as part of the global journalism collaboration Covering Climate Now.
