Microplastics Raise Health Alarm: 356,000 Die Each Year from Heart Conditions

DEHP, a chemical found in many household plastic products, is believed to trigger chronic inflammatory responses in heart arteries, which over time may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

A study warns that chemicals present in household plastics are linked to hundreds of thousands of cardiovascular deaths worldwide. Image: vertigodetective.com

A new study released by researchers at NYU Langone Health (USA) is sounding the alarm over a concerning link between chemicals in household plastics and hundreds of thousands of cardiovascular deaths worldwide.

An analysis based on population survey data and urine samples from multiple countries suggests that daily exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) — a common plasticizer used to increase plastic flexibility — may be associated with more than 356,000 heart disease deaths in 2018, particularly among individuals aged 55 to 64. This figure accounts for over 13% of all global heart disease deaths within that age group.

Phthalates, including DEHP, are present in a wide range of everyday products such as food containers, medical devices, toys, cosmetics, and cleaning agents. As these products degrade, the chemicals can enter the body through ingestion in the form of microscopic particles. 

Previous studies have already linked phthalate exposure to several serious health issues, including obesity, diabetes, reproductive problems, and cancer. Specifically, for heart disease, DEHP is believed to trigger chronic inflammation in the arteries, which over time increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

It is noteworthy that the burden of cardiovascular deaths appears to be unevenly distributed. The study indicates that approximately 75% of cardiovascular deaths related to DEHP are concentrated in the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific, with India, China, and Indonesia at the top of the list.

Scientists explain that the industrial boom in plastic production, coupled with limited regulatory controls in these regions, may be the reason for higher exposure levels.

This study is considered the first global estimate of the impact of DEHP on cardiovascular mortality rates, adding to a previous study by the same research team that linked phthalates to more than 50,000 premature deaths annually in the United States. The economic burden of DEHP-related deaths globally is estimated to reach hundreds of billions of USD.

Dr. Leonardo Trasande, the senior author of the study, emphasized the need for stricter regulations worldwide to reduce exposure to this toxic chemical.

He also cautioned that while this study indicates a correlation, it does not confirm a direct causal relationship, and the actual number of deaths related to all types of phthalates and across all age groups could be significantly higher. Future research will focus on monitoring the effects of reduced exposure and assessing the impact of phthalates on other health issues.

Source: Tuoi Tre Newspapers.