Plastic Chemicals Blamed for Thousands of Heart Disease Deaths
Exposure to certain chemicals used in the production of plastic household items may be responsible for a staggering number of deaths worldwide it has been discovered.
The research, conducted by scientists at NYU Langone Health, suggests that over 356,000 people died from heart disease in 2018 alone due to exposure to these toxic substances.
The chemicals in question, known as phthalates, are commonly used to make plastics more flexible and are found in a wide range of products, including food containers, medical equipment, and cosmetics.
When ingested, these chemicals can break down into tiny particles that have been linked to a range of serious health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
The study, which analyzed data from over 200 countries and territories, found that the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific regions bore the brunt of the death toll, accounting for approximately three-quarters of all deaths linked to phthalate exposure.
India, China, and Indonesia were among the countries with the highest number of deaths, with India alone accounting for over 103,000 fatalities.
The economic burden of these deaths is estimated to be substantial, with the study suggesting that the total cost could be as high as $3.74 trillion.
The researchers also noted that the true extent of the problem may be even greater, as their analysis only looked at deaths among people aged 55-64 and did not take into account the potential impact of other types of phthalates.
The study’s lead author, Sara Hyman, emphasized the urgent need for global action to reduce exposure to these toxic chemicals, stating that “our findings add to the vast body of evidence that these chemicals present a tremendous danger to human health.”
The researchers are calling for stricter regulations on the use of phthalates, particularly in regions with high levels of plastic production and consumption.
The study’s senior author, Leonardo Trasande, cautioned that while the research suggests a strong link between phthalate exposure and heart disease, more work is needed to fully understand the relationship between the two.
He also noted that the study’s findings highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the health impacts of plastic pollution, including the development of safer alternatives to phthalates and the implementation of policies to reduce plastic waste.
As the world grapples with the growing problem of plastic pollution, this study serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that these chemicals can have on human health. With the global plastic industry expected to continue growing in the coming years, it is imperative that governments, manufacturers, and consumers take immediate action to reduce our reliance on these toxic substances and protect public health.
