New York—A recent study highlights the potential health risks associated with phthalates, synthetic chemicals commonly found in various consumer products, suggesting that these substances could be linked to over 10% of heart disease-related deaths globally in individuals aged 55 to 64 in 2018. Researchers indicate a troubling correlation between these chemicals and increased mortality rates from cardiovascular issues.
Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a senior author of the study and a professor at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, explained that phthalates may contribute to systemic inflammation in coronary arteries, potentially exacerbating pre-existing conditions and increasing the risk of acute cardiovascular events. Low testosterone levels, which are often associated with phthalate exposure in men, may serve as a predictor for adult heart disease, further intensifying concerns about these chemicals.
In past research, phthalates have been linked to various health issues, including reproductive complications like genital malformations in infant boys, reduced sperm counts in adult males, asthma, childhood obesity, and certain cancers. The American Chemistry Council has notably refrained from commenting on the findings but maintains advocacy for the benefits of certain phthalates in industry applications.
Phthalates are often dubbed "everywhere chemicals," credited with enhancing flexibility and durability in plastic products ranging from food packaging and flooring to medical tubing and children’s toys. Exposure generally occurs through inhaling contaminated air or consuming food and beverages that have been in contact with phthalate-laden plastics.
The study, published in the journal eBiomedicine, focuses on Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), which researchers assessed using health and environmental data from a host of global population surveys. This investigation estimated that DEHP exposure accounted for approximately 368,764 deaths from heart disease in 2018, with notable impacts in Africa and East Asia.
Lead study author Sara Hyman emphasized the urgency of these findings, suggesting they reveal the considerable dangers phthalates pose to human health by linking them directly to a major cause of death worldwide. Despite the major implications of this research, some experts stress limitations in the analysis, particularly in using U.S. hazard ratios to extrapolate effects applicable globally.
Other studies by Trasande’s team indicate that phthalates could contribute significantly to premature deaths in the U.S. The previous research estimated between 91,000 to 107,000 such fatalities annually among Americans aged 55 to 64, associating higher phthalate levels with an increased risk of dying from any cause, especially cardiovascular mortality. The economic burden of these deaths could reach $47 billion each year due to lost productivity.
To reduce exposure to phthalates and similar endocrine disruptors, experts recommend avoiding plastics whenever possible. Dr. Trasande emphasizes the importance of minimizing consumption of ultra-processed foods. Practical steps include opting for stainless steel or glass for food storage, selecting unscented cleaning products, and ensuring fresh or frozen produce over canned varieties.
As awareness of the health risks associated with phthalates grows, consumers are encouraged to make informed choices to safeguard their well-being by limiting contact with these ubiquitous chemicals.