A recent global study has identified a plastic chemical commonly found in household items as a factor in over 356,000 heart-related deaths. Plastic has been an integral part of daily life for many years, appearing in various products ranging from food containers to medical instruments. However, new research has revealed a troubling reality: certain chemicals used to give plastic its soft and flexible properties may be detrimental to heart health. These harmful substances, often present in items like plastic packaging and vinyl flooring, have been associated with a significant increase in deaths related to cardiovascular disease worldwide.
Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States since 1921, with global recognition of this issue officially acknowledged in 2011 when the United Nations designated cardiovascular disease (CVD) as a major health concern. Over the decades, public health initiatives have successfully reduced CVD mortality rates by 60%, thanks to advancements in medicine, increased awareness, and efforts such as tobacco control, hypertension management, and dietary improvements.
Despite this progress, there has been a recent slowdown in the decline of heart disease deaths, with rates starting to rise again between 2015 and 2022. Currently, more than one billion people worldwide are living with CVD, and in 2019 alone, it claimed over 17 million lives—an alarming statistic representing one in three deaths globally. While factors like an aging population, obesity, and diabetes continue to contribute significantly to the prevalence of CVD, emerging threats such as chemical exposures from the environment are causing growing concern.
One such group of chemicals, known as phthalates, is now under increased scrutiny due to its potential impact on heart health. Phthalates are commonly added to plastics to enhance their flexibility, with a specific compound called di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) present in everyday items like food wrap, PVC pipes, medical tubing, and cosmetics. DEHP is so prevalent that its breakdown products have been detected in nearly every country, highlighting the widespread exposure to these substances through various sources such as food, air, and skin contact. Once inside the body, phthalates like DEHP can disrupt hormone balance, promote artery inflammation, and interfere with the body’s metabolism of fats and sugars.
Research conducted by Sara Hyman and her team at NYU Grossman School of Medicine utilized global health data and urine samples from almost 200 countries to estimate levels of DEHP exposure. By analyzing death records from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, they determined the number of heart disease-related deaths attributable to this chemical. Their findings, published in Lancet eBiomedicine, revealed a concerning link between DEHP exposure and over 356,000 heart disease fatalities worldwide in 2018, representing more than 13% of all heart-related deaths among individuals aged 55 to 64. The majority of these deaths occurred in regions like the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific.
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Phthalates, found in plastic waste, pose hidden dangers. When consumed or inhaled, they disrupt hormone balance, act as antiandrogens, and influence genes controlling fat and sugar metabolism. These changes can lead to obesity, insulin resistance, and arterial plaque, setting the stage for heart attacks and strokes.
Recent studies have detected micro- and nanoplastics in human blood and artery walls. These tiny particles may irritate tissues and facilitate the transport of harmful chemicals into the body. Patients with microplastics in their artery plaques are at a higher risk of heart-related issues post-surgery.
While uncertainties persist regarding the effects of these particles, researchers are investigating their size, identification, and interactions with other chemicals within the body.
The impact of phthalates varies globally, with regions experiencing rapid plastic production facing the greatest risks. In 2018, India reported the highest number of deaths related to DEHP exposure, followed by China and Indonesia. East Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East accounted for the majority of DEHP-related heart disease fatalities.
To address this issue, global action is crucial to reduce plastic usage and exposure, particularly in regions lacking environmental safeguards. The economic cost of these deaths was substantial, totaling billions in 2018 alone.
While eliminating plastics entirely is challenging, implementing small changes can help mitigate risks. Some governments have successfully reduced phthalate exposure through policy changes and educational efforts. Furthermore, the UN Environment Assembly’s plan for a binding global agreement to combat plastic pollution marks significant progress, although resistance from petrochemical-producing nations poses challenges.
Researchers emphasize the need for increased efforts to lower DEHP exposure and prevent plastic-related deaths in the future.
These substances can impact various health conditions, including early childbirth. As plastic usage reaches a critical stage globally, scientific research is sounding a strong alarm: disregarding the health implications of plastics could result in severe consequences. The battle against heart disease might now require a focus not only on improved medicine and healthier habits but also on minimizing plastic pollution. Note: The excerpt is sourced from The Brighter Side of News. Interested in uplifting stories like this? Subscribe to The Brighter Side of News newsletter.
