A recent study has found that chemicals in everyday household products are contributing to a significant increase in heart disease deaths worldwide.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have linked exposure to phthalates—specifically di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a chemical used to soften plastics—with more than 350,000 heart disease-related deaths in 2018 alone.
Published in Lancet eBioMedicine on April 29, the study suggests that daily exposure to DEHP, found in everyday items such as food containers, medical devices, and cleaning products, may be responsible for 13% of heart disease deaths worldwide among individuals aged 55 to 64. This troubling link highlights the urgent need for global regulations to curb the widespread use of toxic chemicals in consumer goods.
Phthalates, also known as plasticizers, are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and are found in a variety of products, from shower curtains to garden hoses. They have long been associated with several health issues, including cancer, fertility problems, and diabetes, but this latest study underscores their deadly impact on heart health. DEHP is known to cause inflammation in the arteries, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The study analyzed population surveys from over 200 countries and territories, revealing that the regions most affected by DEHP exposure include the Pacific, Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia, with particularly high death tolls in countries like India, China, and Indonesia. These regions have been affected by rapid industrialization and weaker regulations on plastic production and use.
Lead study author Sara Hyman, an associate research scientist at NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine, called the findings a stark reminder of the health risks posed by these chemicals, noting, “Our results add to the vast body of evidence that these chemicals present a tremendous danger to human health.”
Senior author Dr. Leonardo Trasande emphasized the need for more stringent global regulations to limit exposure to phthalates, particularly in rapidly industrializing nations where plastic consumption is on the rise.
The study also pointed out the disparity in heart disease death rates between regions with stronger plastic regulations and those with looser controls, such as in the U.S. and Europe. In fact, the FDA has already banned several phthalates from use in food packaging, but DEHP remains widely used in many non-food products, raising concerns about ongoing health risks.
Experts agree that more research is needed to fully understand the long-term impact of microplastics on human health.
Dr. Jasdeep Dalawari, a cardiologist based in Illinois, suggested that microplastics could disrupt the body’s natural signals that regulate artery function, leading to increased heart disease risk.
Meanwhile, Renato Apolito, M.D., medical director of cardiac catheterization at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, echoed concerns that the pursuit of cheaper, more convenient plastic products often comes at the expense of consumer safety.
With evidence mounting on the dangers of plastic chemicals, health experts are calling for greater regulation and more comprehensive studies to further examine the link between phthalates and various health conditions. If policymakers take action, the reduction of these harmful chemicals could lead to a decrease in global heart disease mortality and improve public health overall.