A recent analysis has revealed that exposure to plastics could be linked to over 356,000 deaths from heart disease globally in 2018. It said that phthalates (chemicals commonly used in plastic household products) could have led to the deaths. This study highlights a troubling trend, showing that countries in the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific bear a disproportionate share of this death toll, accounting for nearly three-fourths of the total.
For decades, experts have linked phthalates to various health issues, from obesity and diabetes to fertility problems and cancer. These chemicals are prevalent in everyday products, including cosmetics, detergents, solvents, plastic pipes, and bug repellents. When phthalates break down into microscopic particles and are ingested, they have been shown to increase the risk of heart disease associated with plastic exposure.
PHTHALATES AND HEART DISEASE: A DANGEROUS CONNECTION
The study, led by researchers at NYU Langone Health, focused on one specific type of phthalate—di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). This chemical is often used to make plastics softer and more flexible. It is found in products like food containers and medical equipment. DEHP exposure triggers an overactive immune response in the heart’s arteries. This response leads to inflammation. Inflammation is a key factor in heart attacks and strokes.
The research estimated that DEHP exposure was responsible for 356,238 deaths from heart disease. This accounts for over 13% of global heart disease mortality in individuals aged 55 to 64. Sara Hyman, BS, an associate research scientist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and lead author of the study, stated, “Our findings highlight the tremendous danger these chemicals pose. They are a significant threat to human health.”
ECONOMIC BURDEN OF PHTHALATE-LINKED HEART DISEASE
The economic burden caused by these deaths is staggering. The study estimates that it cost the global economy approximately $510 billion. This figure could potentially rise to as much as $3.74 trillion. This marks the first global estimate of cardiovascular mortality linked to phthalate exposure. In a previous study conducted in 2021, the research team found that over 50,000 premature deaths each year in the U.S. were tied to phthalates, most from heart disease caused by plastic-related chemicals.
REGIONAL DISPARITIES: WHERE THE DEATH TOLL IS HIGHEST
The study found that regions in East Asia and the Middle East were disproportionately affected by DEHP exposure. East Asia and the Pacific accounted for approximately 42% of DEHP-related heart disease deaths. The Middle East accounted for about 32% of these deaths. India topped the list with 103,587 deaths, followed by China and Indonesia.
The researchers suggest that these regions may face higher exposure levels due to rapid industrialization. Plastic production contributes significantly to these levels. There are fewer regulations to limit harmful chemical use compared to other regions.
URGENT CALL FOR GLOBAL REGULATION
The study’s senior author, Dr. Leonardo Trasande, emphasized the need for global regulations to limit phthalate exposure, especially in rapidly industrializing regions. “Our results underscore the urgent need to reduce exposure to these toxins,” Trasande stated. He further noted that while the study focused on DEHP, the overall death toll could be higher. This would be the case if other types of phthalates and age groups were considered, showing the pervasive danger of plastic chemicals.
The research team plans to continue investigating how reducing phthalate exposure could lower global heart disease mortality rates. They also intend to expand their study to address other health concerns linked to phthalates, such as preterm birth.
THE PATH FORWARD: POLICY AND RESEARCH PRIORITIES
As the world grapples with the health consequences of plastic chemical exposure, researchers call for stronger policies and industrial reforms to mitigate these risks. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and Beyond Petrochemicals. It also reflects the growing need for more global attention on environmental health issues.
Dr. Trasande, who serves as the director of NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s Division of Environmental Pediatrics, noted that ongoing research and international collaboration will be crucial in addressing these global health threats linked to plastic exposure.
