Plastics have become an integral part of our daily lives, but the chemicals used to produce them may be silently harming us. One such chemical, di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), is used to soften plastic products and has long been associated with health risks such as cancer. However, new research indicates that DEHP exposure is also contributing to deaths from heart disease, particularly in developing countries.
A recent study published in The Lancet eBioMedicine revealed that nearly 350,000 people died in 2018 due to DEHP exposure. The research, which is the first global survey of cardiovascular mortality from these chemicals, found that DEHP exposure from plastics was responsible for more than 13 percent of all deaths from heart disease among adults aged 55 to 64.
One of the study’s key findings was the stark geographic disparities in DEHP exposure and related mortality rates. Residents of the Middle East and South Asia were found to be exposed to up to six times more DEHP than those in Europe, with a higher proportion of cardiovascular deaths attributed to the chemicals in these regions. In the United States and Europe, 10 percent and 8 percent of heart disease-related deaths, respectively, were linked to DEHP exposure, compared to 17 percent in the Middle East and South Asia, and over 13 percent in East Asia and the Pacific.
DEHP and other phthalates are known to disrupt the endocrine system, leading to an increased risk of obesity and diabetes. These chemicals also contribute to inflammation, a risk factor for heart disease, and coexist with micro- and nanoplastics, which have been shown to increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and overall mortality.
Leonardo Trasande, a professor of pediatrics at NYU Langone Health and one of the study’s authors, likened DEHP-laden plastics to a “wrecking ball” on human tissues. He emphasized the need for policymakers to take action to reduce the use of DEHP in plastic materials, potentially including restrictions on polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the type of plastic where DEHP is commonly found.
The study highlighted regional differences in plastic production, chemical regulations, and waste management as factors contributing to the disparities in DEHP exposure. Countries like India, experiencing a surge in plastic manufacturing and use, have only recently begun to restrict DEHP in food packaging. Furthermore, the import of plastic waste from developed countries to developing ones, where it may be burnt or dumped in unregulated landfills, poses another route for exposure to harmful chemicals like DEHP.
This research adds to a growing body of evidence that the burden of plastic pollution disproportionately affects developing countries. The life-cycle costs of plastics are significantly higher for low- and middle-income nations compared to high-income ones, underscoring the need for global action to address the adverse effects of plastics on human health and the environment.
The findings of this study were based on a model that assessed phthalates’ contribution to cardiovascular mortality using urine samples and causes of death reported in the U.S.’s National Death Index. Other studies have also highlighted the health risks posed by chemicals in plastics, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which have been linked to heart disease, strokes, and cognitive impairments.
While some countries have implemented restrictions on DEHP and other phthalates, global regulations remain inconsistent. The European Union, China, and Japan have imposed restrictions on DEHP in various products, but more stringent measures may be needed to protect public health from the harmful effects of these chemicals. India has taken a significant step towards protecting public health by passing legislation in 2022 that limits the amount of DEHP allowed to leach from food packaging. DEHP, also known as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, is a harmful chemical commonly used in plastics to make them more flexible and durable. Research has shown that exposure to DEHP can have negative effects on human health, particularly on hormone regulation and development.
While the United States has restrictions on DEHP in children’s toys and some food packaging, the federal Food and Drug Administration recently denied a petition to ban DEHP and seven other phthalates in food-contact materials outright. This decision has raised concerns among public health and environmental groups, who argue that there is no safe threshold for phthalate exposure.
Leading experts like Dr. Leonardo Trasande have emphasized the importance of reducing exposure to harmful chemicals like DEHP. Trasande’s research has highlighted the need for stricter regulations on plastic production and the chemicals used in plastics. This research could influence ongoing negotiations for the United Nations’ global plastics treaty, which aims to end plastic pollution and address hazardous chemicals in plastic products.
Dr. Tracey Woodruff, another prominent researcher in the field, has stressed the importance of limiting overall plastic production to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. Lowering our exposure to phthalates and other chemicals in plastics is crucial for protecting public health and reversing the trend of chronic diseases in the United States.
Overall, India’s decision to limit DEHP in food packaging is a significant step towards protecting consumers from harmful chemicals. By setting strict regulations on phthalates and other hazardous chemicals, countries can work towards creating a safer and healthier environment for all.
