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.
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.
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