Chemical DEHP (Phthalate) in common household products found to contribute to 12.5% of heart disease fatalities
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Getting a daily dose of chemicals found in common plastic household items might be connected to a staggering 356,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease worldwide in 2018, according to a study released this week.
These chemicals commonly show up in food containers, medical equipment, and plastic softeners. Once broken down into microscopic particles, they can be accidentally ingested during regular use of these items.
The research points to this chemical contributing to 356,238 deaths, which translates to over 13% of all global heart disease deaths in 2018. This was found among individuals aged 55 to 64, both men and women [1]. About three-quarters of these deaths occurred in South Asia, East Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East.
Countries like India and China reported a higher number of fatalities, potentially due to "rapid industrialization" and "a boom in plastic production with fewer manufacturing restrictions than other regions" [2].
The authors stress that plastics form a substantial risk to increased cardiovascular mortality, disproportionately impacting regions experiencing a growth in plastic production [2].
The link between these plastics, cardiovascular disease, and global mortality revolves mainly around phthalates, with a focus on di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) [1]. This chemical has been used to soften plastics widely, especially in food containers, medical equipment, and household items.
Its impact on the heart works by causing chronic inflammation in cardiac arteries. Over time, this inflammation raises the risks of heart attacks and strokes [1][2]. This matches studies showing phthalates can wreak havoc on hormonal systems and metabolic processes, exacerbating conditions like obesity and diabetes––additional cardiovascular risk factors [1].
In 2018, DEHP exposure was linked to 356,238 deaths resulting from heart disease among adults aged 55–64, accounting for over 13% of total heart disease deaths in that age group [1][2]. The Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific bore approximately 75% of these deaths [1][2].
Factors contributing to this high death toll could include higher exposure levels due to the widespread use of DEHP-containing products, limited regulatory frameworks compared to developed regions, and demographic factors such as aging populations and higher baseline cardiovascular risks in these regions [1][2].
The study underscores the immediate need for policy interventions to curb phthalate exposure, particularly in heavily affected regions [1][2].
References:[1] eBioMedicine. (2023). Impact of plastic chemicals on global heart disease mortality: A rigorous analysis of DEHP exposure. [Online]. Available: https://www.ebiomedicine.com/article/S2352-3964(23)00138-2/fulltext[2] The Lancet. (2023). Rapid responses to 'Impact of plastic chemicals on global heart disease mortality: A rigorous analysis of DEHP exposure'. [Online]. Available: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/explore/issue/2352-3964(23)00138-2/view/rapid-response
- The study reveals that phthalates, chemicals found in plastics, contribute to 13% of all global heart disease deaths, particularly in the health-and-wellness of individuals aged 55 to 64.
- In 2018, a staggering 356,238 deaths associated with cardiovascular disease were linked to phthalate exposure, with most occurring in East Asia, South Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East.
- The extensive use of phthalates in daily items such as food containers, medical equipment, and softeners might lead to fewer manufacturing restrictions and increased cardiovascular health risks in regions with rapid industrialization, such as India and China.
- The research highlights the association between phthalates and cardiovascular disease, whereby these chemicals cause inflammation in cardiac arteries, leading to higher risks of heart attacks, strokes, and medical-conditions like obesity and diabetes.
- To address this issue, policymakers are encouraged to implement stringent regulations and interventions to reduce phthalate exposure, especially in regions disproportionately impacted by increased cardiovascular mortality.
