Key points
- Phthalates are found in common products like cosmetics, food packaging, and medical devices.
- India, China, and Indonesia recorded the highest number of DEHP-related heart deaths.
- Exposure occurs through air, food, skin contact, and household plastic items.
- Researchers warn developing countries face the highest health risks due to weaker regulations.
ISLAMABAD: A new global study has raised alarming concerns about the health risks posed by everyday plastic products.
According to research published in eBioMedicine—a journal published by Elsevier, headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands—synthetic chemicals known as phthalates, found in a wide range of consumer goods, may have contributed to over 10 per cent of global heart disease deaths among people aged 55 to 64 in 2018.
These chemicals—commonly referred to as “everywhere chemicals”—are used to make plastics flexible and durable. They are found in items as varied as shampoo, makeup, perfumes, food packaging, vinyl flooring, medical devices, detergents, and even car interiors.
A specific phthalate, DEHP (Di[2-ethylhexyl] phthalate), was linked to approximately 368,764 deaths worldwide in 2018, according to the study.
India topped the list with over 103,000 heart-related deaths attributed to DEHP exposure, followed by China and Indonesia. The majority of these deaths occurred in South Asia, the Middle East, East Asia, and the Pacific, reflecting the regional intensity of plastic use and exposure.
Conducted by researchers from New York University, the study analysed urine samples and environmental data across 200 countries and territories. The findings align closely with the growing global concern over plastic pollution and its health implications—issues that are central to the ongoing United Nations Plastics Treaty negotiations, the first legally binding global agreement on plastic pollution.
“There is a clear disparity in which parts of the world bear the brunt of heightened heart risks from phthalates,” said Dr Leonardo Trasande, senior author of the study and professor at NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine.
Exposure to phthalates can occur through inhalation, ingestion of contaminated food or drink, or skin contact. Everyday items such as scented lotions, plastic containers, and processed foods are common sources.
The study also notes that Africa accounted for 30 per cent of phthalate-related deaths, while East Asia and the Middle East contributed to another 25 per cent. This makes the findings especially relevant for countries with expanding plastic industries and fewer regulation around chemical use.
Experts are calling for stronger consumer awareness and regulation. “These findings add to the vast body of evidence that phthalates pose a serious threat to public health,” said Sara Hyman, lead author of the study.
While the research faced some criticism for using US-based data models to estimate global mortality, experts agree that the study offers a critical warning.
To reduce risk, Dr Trasande advises avoiding microwaving or dishwashing plastic containers, choosing unscented personal care products, and storing food in glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers. Reducing ultra-processed foods and practicing regular handwashing can also help limit chemical exposure.
As global awareness grows, this study may serve as a wake-up call for governments and individuals alike to rethink their relationship with plastic—and take action before it’s too late.
