NEW YORK, April 29: A new study has revealed that synthetic chemicals known as phthalates, commonly found in consumer products like food storage containers, shampoo, makeup, perfume, and children's toys, may have been responsible for over 10% of global heart disease deaths in 2018 among individuals aged 55 to 64.

According to Dr. Leonardo Trasande, senior author of the study and professor of pediatrics and population health at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, phthalates contribute to inflammation in the coronary arteries, which can exacerbate existing heart conditions and lead to fatal outcomes. He further explained that phthalates disrupt testosterone levels, and in men, low testosterone is a known predictor of cardiovascular disease.

Phthalates have long been associated with reproductive issues, such as genital malformations in newborn boys and lower sperm counts and testosterone levels in adult men. Previous studies have also linked phthalates to asthma, childhood obesity, and cancer.

David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), expressed concerns about the health and economic burden of exposure to phthalates, particularly DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate). While he was not involved in the study, he agreed with its findings, noting that the risks posed by phthalates are well-documented.

Phthalates are commonly referred to as “everywhere chemicals” because of their widespread use in a variety of consumer products. These include PVC plumbing pipes, vinyl flooring, medical tubing, rain- and stain-resistant products, garden hoses, and children’s toys, among others. They are also found in food packaging, detergents, clothing, furniture, automotive plastics, and personal care items like shampoo and cosmetics.

The exposure to phthalates occurs when individuals breathe contaminated air or consume food or beverages that have been in contact with plastic products containing these chemicals. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this exposure is a significant concern for public health.

The study, published on Tuesday in the journal eBiomedicine, examined the global impact of DEHP exposure on heart disease deaths across 200 countries and territories. Researchers analyzed health and environmental data from population surveys, including urine samples containing chemical breakdown products from DEHP, which is linked to cardiovascular disease.

The findings indicate that DEHP exposure was responsible for 368,764 deaths in 2018 from heart disease among individuals aged 55 through 64. Africa accounted for 30% of these deaths, while East Asia and the Middle East contributed 25%. This study is believed to be the first global estimate of health outcomes from DEHP exposure, according to lead author Sara Hyman, an associate research scientist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

Hyman emphasized the study’s significance, saying, “By highlighting the connection between phthalates and a leading cause of death across the world, our findings add to the vast body of evidence that these chemicals present a tremendous danger to human health.”

However, the study does have limitations, as it used hazard ratios from the U.S. to estimate the impact in other countries. Andrews of EWG noted that while the authors acknowledged this limitation, it assumes the relationship between DEHP exposure and cardiovascular disease is consistent globally, which may not always be the case due to variations in exposure levels and healthcare access across different regions.

Earlier research by Trasande’s team had shown that phthalates might contribute to approximately 91,000 to 107,000 premature deaths annually in the U.S. among people aged 55 to 64. Individuals with the highest levels of phthalates were found to have an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, even when other factors like preexisting health conditions and lifestyle choices were accounted for.

These deaths could cost the U.S. economy between $40 billion and $47 billion annually in lost productivity, according to the study.

Experts suggest that individuals can reduce their exposure to phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals by making certain lifestyle changes. Dr. Trasande recommends avoiding plastics when possible, particularly in situations where heat could cause chemicals to leach, such as microwaving or dishwashing plastic containers. Other recommendations include:

Using unscented lotions and laundry detergents.

Choosing cleaning products without fragrances.

Using glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wood for food storage.

Opting for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables instead of canned ones.

Encouraging frequent handwashing to remove chemicals.

Avoiding air fresheners and plastics labeled as No. 3, No. 6, and No. 7.

As studies continue to shed light on the health risks of phthalates, experts are calling for increased awareness and action to limit exposure to these harmful chemicals in everyday products.