Study Links Phthalates in Plastics to Over 350,000 Cardiovascular Deaths Worldwide

A series of recent studies have highlighted a significant global health threat from exposure to phthalates, chemicals commonly used to make plastics more flexible and found in everyday items such as food containers, toys, and cosmetics. Research led by NYU Langone Health estimates that in 2018, over 350,000 cardiovascular deaths worldwide among adults aged 55 to 64 could be attributed to exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), with India bearing the highest national burden. The studies indicate that phthalates may increase heart disease risk by triggering chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, and have also been linked to obesity, diabetes, fertility issues, and some cancers. Countries with weaker regulations and delayed policy action, especially in South Asia and the Middle East, saw higher rates of DEHP-attributable deaths. Experts warn that the health risks from everyday plastic exposure constitute a growing public health emergency, emphasizing the need for stronger regulations and reduced use of plastic products. The economic burden associated with these deaths is estimated in the hundreds of billions to trillions of dollars globally.