Study Links Plastic Chemicals to Heart Disease Deaths
A new study reveals that common chemicals found in plastics, specifically phthalates, may be linked to approximately 350,000 heart disease deaths worldwide in 2018. Published in eBioMedicine, researchers from New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine estimated that phthalates contributed to about 13 percent of cardiovascular deaths among individuals aged 55 to 64 that year.
Phthalates are prevalent in various everyday products, including food packaging, personal care items, and toys. While research on phthalates and cardiovascular disease is still in its infancy, there is growing concern due to their association with metabolic risks like obesity, raising questions about their role in heart-related illnesses.
Dr. Mark Huffman, a co-director at WashU Medicine, termed the findings an “early step” in understanding the issue, emphasizing the need for further research to clarify the connection between phthalate exposure and heart health. Experts have noted that the study’s reliance on complex statistical models may complicate the determination of the extent of the harm caused by these chemicals.
The research specifically examined the phthalate DEHP, widely used in products from tablecloths to shower curtains. The study identified that regions such as the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia collectively accounted for nearly three-quarters of these deaths.
Despite its insights, experts caution that the observational nature of the study means causation cannot be definitively established. Factors like socioeconomic status and dietary behaviors may confound the results, suggesting a need for more targeted research.
Next steps include longitudinal studies tracking individuals’ exposure over time and potential strategies to reduce phthalate levels in products. Tracey Woodruff from the University of California highlights the urgency of decreasing phthalate use due to their known risks contributing to serious health issues.
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