US Study: Common Plastics May Boost Heart Disease Risk

Chemicals commonly present in typical plastic items might be linked to cardiovascular diseases globally, with the most significant effects observed in Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific region.

Here’s what you should understand

Research connects substances present in numerous everyday plastic items to an increased death rate from cardiovascular diseases. The areas most impacted include the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific region. Altering the way we use household plastics could help lower this risk.

According to a recent study, a chemical present in common household plastics might be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Heart disease stands as the foremost reason for fatalities worldwide, accounting for approximately 17.9 million deaths annually as reported by the World Health Organization.

A recent research conducted by scientists at NYU Langone Health in the United States indicates that specific widely used plastics could potentially be linked to over ten percent of heart disease fatalities among individuals aged between 55 and 64 years old.

A plastic additive might contribute to fatalities from heart disease.

The analysis of health and environmental information gathered through population surveys was conducted to assess deaths attributed to phthalate exposure. These substances enhance the resilience and pliability of plastic materials.

According to their assessment, exposure to the phthalate DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate) might have led to approximately 350,000 fatalities in 2018.

Since the research was not intended to determine if DEHP directly leads to heart disease, they advise against reaching conclusive judgments.

The objective is essentially to monitor exposures to DEHP. Given the limited availability of data, we had to estimate these exposures worldwide, which comes with certain constraints,” explained lead researcher Leonardo Trasande, who directs the NYU Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards in the United States.

Although DEHP has been detected globally, the research indicates that its effects are predominantly limited to several specific areas. Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific together make up three-quarters of the overall estimated fatalities linked to DEHP.

It is estimated that India has the highest number of fatalities with over 100,000 deaths, trailed by Pakistan and Egypt.

Trasande stated that the earlier research upon which the modeling relied considered factors such as body mass index, diet, physical activity, along with various other typical social determinants of health that could serve as alternative explanations.

Phthalates: Understanding the Dangers and Ways to Minimize Contact

Prior research has highlighted adverse effects of phthalates on reproductive health and the immune system.

"As of now, we understand that various chemicals utilized in plastics play a role in causing inflammation and disrupt our hormones—our body’s natural messengers responsible for essential processes like metabolism and heart function,” stated Trasande.

However, this research and the one it relies upon do not stand alone. A broader collection of studies from laboratories, animal tests, and human trials indicates that these substances may play a role in contributing to cardiovascular diseases.

Each day, we find ourselves encircled by plastic And dodging it might appear insurmountable, however, Trasande mentioned that individuals can adopt various preventive actions.

Trasande suggested that we can revisit and modify our approach to dealing with plastic.

Specifically, we should steer clear of heating and washing plastics in the microwave and dishwasher, as this can lead to the absorption of chemicals from the plastic material or cause them to break down into microplastics, which may then release these chemicals into our bodies.

A global plastics treaty The negotiations concerning this issue are being conducted by the United Nations. Within the European Union, substances like DEHP, which are types of phthalates, are prohibited in both toys and cosmetic products.

A ambitious alliance of nations is striving to [...], not just cutting down on hazardous chemical usage within plastics, but also tackling the scale of plastic contamination.

Edited by Matthew Ward Agius

Source

Phthalate Exposure from Plastics Linked to Cardiovascular Disease: Global Estimates of Mortality and Years Lost Life

Author: Amy Stockdale