Chemical in Plastics Blamed for 356K Deaths

News Desk

Islamabad: A study published in The Lancet eBioMedicine by researchers at NYU Langone Hospital in New York has found that daily exposure to a chemical commonly used in plastic household items may be linked to more than 356,000 cardiovascular-related deaths worldwide in 2018.

The research focused on a phthalate called DEHP, which is used in products such as food containers, medical devices, and plastics to increase flexibility. The study found that DEHP exposure was associated with 356,238 deaths, accounting for over 13% of global cardiovascular mortality in people aged 55 to 64 that year.

Approximately 75% of these deaths occurred in regions such as the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific. Researchers attributed the higher toll in countries like India and China to rapid industrial growth and high plastic production with fewer manufacturing regulations.

The study underscores the urgent need for international regulation to limit phthalate exposure. “Our findings add to the growing body of evidence that phthalates pose a significant threat to human health,” said lead author Sara Hyman.

Phthalates have long been known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals and have been linked to obesity, cancer, heart disease, and reproductive issues. They are commonly found in everyday products such as plastic packaging, cosmetics, and toys.

These chemicals can degrade into microscopic particles that are ingested, increasing the risk of various health issues including diabetes and cancer.

Despite the known risks, global efforts to create a treaty to combat plastic pollution have stalled. A key negotiation meeting in Busan, South Korea last December ended without agreement, but talks are scheduled to resume in Geneva from August 5–14.