According to a breakthrough study published on Lancet Ebiomedicine on April 29, a common chemical used to make plastics more flexible could lead to cardiovascular deaths in more than 356,000 people worldwide. The study reveals shocking geographical differences in how these chemicals affect global health.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health found that DI-2-ethylbenzoate (DEHP) is a compound widely used in food containers, medical devices and other plastic products, with approximately 13.5% of cardiovascular deaths in adults aged 55-64 in 2018.
“By highlighting the link between phthalates and the major causes of death around the world, our findings add extensive evidence that these chemicals pose a huge danger to human health,” said Sara Hyman, director of research at the Grossman School of Medicine at NYU.
This study found significant regional differences in mortality burden. Asia is the first to be the brunt of all DEHP-related cardiovascular deaths worldwide, in the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific region. India has 103,587 deaths, followed by China and Indonesia.
Dr. Leonardo Trasande, senior author of the study, highlighted the global inequality of the health crisis: “There are obvious differences, with certain parts of the world bearing the heart risk of phthalates. Our results highlight the urgent need for our results to have global regulations on these toxins, especially among them, which affect the greatest impact of these toxins, especially in rapid industrialization and plastics.”
The economic impact is equally shocking. The researchers estimate that the global financial burden of these deaths is between $510 billion and $3.74 trillion.
When DEHP breaks down into microscopic particles and enters the body, it triggers inflammation in the heart arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This chemical is almost everywhere in modern life, found in everything from food packaging to medical equipment.
The study examined data from 200 countries and regions, analyzed urine samples containing DEHP decomposition products and matched them with health indicators and mortality data from the Institute for Assessment. The researchers found that areas with a rapidly developing plastics industry but with fewer manufacturing restrictions were higher in exposure and therefore higher mortality rates.
The global assessment is based on previous research by the team, which has identified phthalates as the cause of approximately 50,000 early deaths per year for older Americans. The current study represents the first global estimate of cardiovascular mortality associated with these chemicals.
The researchers noted that their analysis may underestimate the real impact because it does not account for other types of phthalates or examines mortality in other age groups. Future studies will track how reduced phthalate exposure affects global mortality and explore other health issues related to these chemicals.
As international negotiations continue on the global plastics treaty, the study provides policymakers with key evidence on the potential cardiovascular risks posed by plastic-related chemicals, especially in areas experiencing rapid industrialization and growing plastic consumption.
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