Chemicals commonly found in plastics may significantly increase the risk of heart disease, according to a new study published in The Lancet.
The research reveals that daily exposure to just one type of phthalate—a chemical group widely used in plastic production—could be linked to over 1 lakh deaths in India in 2018 alone. Globally, these chemicals were linked to nearly 3.5 lakh deaths, or 13% of all heart disease deaths in the age group of 55–64 in 2018.
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Often called ‘everywhere chemicals’ because of their common usage, phthalates are found in a variety of products, including food storage containers, toys, shampoo, soap, etc. The findings highlight the growing concern over the widespread use of these chemicals, which have demonstrated numerous health effects on humans.
“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,” lead researcher Sara Hyman, an associate research scientist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, said in a news release. The researcher also pointed out that phthalates interfere with testosterone levels, which in men is a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease in adulthood.
The study examined the impact of one phthalate — Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, or DEHP — on global deaths across 200 countries and territories. Among countries, India, Pakistan and Egypt had the highest death counts, researchers said.
“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 paediatrics and population health at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine.
