A new global study has linked a common group of chemicals found in plastic products, cosmetics, and household goods to a sharp rise in heart disease deaths.
Known as phthalates, these synthetic compounds are used to make plastics more flexible and can be found in a huge selection of everyday items found around the house, such as detergents, bug repellents and solevents.
Health experts and researchers say that exposure to phthalates is contributing to a growing number of cardiovascular-related deaths, with a new analysis of population surveys showing that there's a potential link between more than 356,000 global deaths from heart disease in 2018 and phthalates.
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Experts have been studying the connection between phthalates found in household items, cosmetics, plastic, solvents and much more for decades now.
NYU Langone Health's current study, published in EurekAlert!, is focusing on the impact of a specific kind of phthalate called di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), which can be found in medical equipment and other plastics to make them softer.
What can DEHP be found in?
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, DEHP is present in common plastic products such as:
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Wall coverings, tablecloths, floor tiles, furniture upholstery, shower curtains, garden hoses, swimming pool liners, rainwear, baby pants, dolls, some toys, shoes, automobile upholstery and tops, packaging film and sheets, sheathing for wire and cable, medical tubing, and blood storage bags.
Sara Hyman, BS, an associate research scientist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine stated: "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 research team examined data from over 5,000 adults across eight countries and combined it with global mortality figures. They found that people with higher levels of phthalates in their urine were significantly more likely to die from heart-related causes.
The recent studies suggests that the damage caused by these chemicals may be more serious than previously thought.
The true dangers of phthalates
Previous studies have linked them to fertility problems, diabetes, obesity, and developmental issues in children. This new research adds heart disease to the list of serious concerns.
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What makes phthalates particularly dangerous is how difficult they are to avoid. They are not chemically bound to the products they are used in, which means they can easily leach into food, drinks, and even the air.
Inhaling dust particles or touching surfaces containing phthalates can lead to absorption through the skin or mucous membranes.
The study found that countries that are currently produce more plastic are showing higher mortality rates from heart disease linked to DEHP, with India, China and Indonesia having the highest death counts.
This latest research raises pressing questions about how public health policies should respond.
Kegan Mooney