Study Links Household Plastic Chemical to Heart Disease Deaths, India Most Affected
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A recent study published in The Lancet eBioMedicine has revealed a strong association between exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)-a chemical widely used to make plastics more flexible—and heart disease-related deaths globally. The study, led by researchers at NYU Langone Health, concluded that in 2018 alone, DEHP exposure contributed to an estimated 356,238 cardiovascular deaths among individuals aged 55 to 64. Notably, India bore the highest burden, accounting for nearly one-third of these global deaths, with 103,587 fatalities.
The researchers analysed urine biomarker data and environmental metrics from over 200 countries and territories to assess DEHP exposure levels and associated mortality. DEHP, commonly found in food containers, toys, shampoos, lotions, and medical equipment, has been linked to inflammation in heart arteries, thereby increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study highlighted that over 75 per cent of DEHP-related deaths occurred in regions such as Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific—areas where regulatory enforcement remains weak.
India's elevated mortality rate was attributed to rapid industrial expansion, heavy reliance on DEHP-containing products, and delayed policy actions. In contrast, nations like Canada, Australia, and the United States began implementing phthalate restrictions as early as 2008. China and India introduced measures much later, with India only recently incorporating DEHP restrictions into food packaging.
Beyond heart disease, DEHP exposure is also linked to obesity, diabetes, fertility issues, cancer, and premature birth. The economic fallout is immense, with estimated global costs ranging from $510 billion to $3.7 trillion annually. The researchers urged global regulatory action to limit DEHP use and encouraged individuals to reduce personal plastic exposure by avoiding products with vague labels and opting for safer alternatives through verified databases.
Reference: Phthalate exposure from plastics and cardiovascular disease: global estimates of attributable mortality and years life lost, Hyman, Sara et al., eBioMedicine, Volume 0, Issue 0, 105730
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