Study links plastic chemicals to thousands of heart disease deaths worldwide
The research raises urgent questions about the widespread use of plastics in consumer goods and underscores the need for stronger regulations and public awareness to limit exposure to hazardous substances hidden in everyday items.
A recent global study conducted by New York University Langone Health reveals a disturbing connection between exposure to certain plastic chemicals — commonly found in food packaging, medical devices, and household products — and hundreds of thousands of deaths from heart disease, with a particularly severe impact observed in Asia and the Middle East.
The study, published in Science Daily, highlighted phthalates, a group of chemicals used to soften plastics, as the major culprit. These substances are widely present in everyday items including cosmetics, detergents, plastic pipes, pesticides, and food containers.
Researchers have found that daily exposure to these chemicals — especially DEHP [di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate] — can cause excessive immune responses in coronary arteries, significantly increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Key findings show estimated 356,000 deaths worldwide in 2018 were linked to DEHP exposure; 267,000 of these deaths occurred in Asia and the Middle East, highlighting a disproportionate regional impact; DEHP exposure is estimated to account for 13% of all global deaths due to heart disease in that year.
These chemicals are also associated with obesity, diabetes, fertility problems, and certain cancers.
Sarah Hyman, the lead author and a research assistant at NYU School of Medicine, said, “By highlighting the link between phthalates and a leading cause of death worldwide, our findings add to the growing body of evidence showing that these chemicals pose a significant risk to human health.”
The study utilized global health data from 200 countries and regions, analyzing exposure levels and corresponding mortality statistics. It builds upon earlier research from 2021, which linked the same chemicals to over 50,000 premature deaths annually in the United States, especially among older adults.
The research raises urgent questions about the widespread use of plastics in consumer goods and underscores the need for stronger regulations and public awareness to limit exposure to hazardous substances hidden in everyday items.
Health experts are now calling for reform in manufacturing standards, transparent labeling, and investment in safer alternatives to minimize health risks for populations worldwide.
