Plastic In Your Daily Life Could Be Killing Your Heart, New Study Warns (Image Credits: iStock)
Chemicals used in everyday plastic products may be more dangerous than previously thought, especially when it comes to heart health. A new study published in The Lancet eBioMedicine reveals a disturbing link between plastic-related chemical exposure and heart disease deaths worldwide.
Phthalates, a group of chemicals commonly used to make plastics more flexible and durable, are found in various household products. These include cosmetics, cleaning supplies, plastic pipes, food packaging, bug repellents, and even some toys. While their role in manufacturing is widespread, researchers are increasingly concerned about their impact on human health.
Key Findings from the Study
Researchers analysed public health data from more than 200 countries and territories, using information from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Their analysis showed a sharp increase in heart disease deaths related to exposure to plastic chemicals, particularly phthalates. The rise was most noticeable in regions like South Asia, East Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East.
The study builds on earlier findings, including a 2018 estimate that linked over 350,000 heart disease deaths to plastic chemical exposure.
How Do These Chemicals Harm the Heart?
Dr. Jasdeep Dalawari, a cardiologist from Illinois, explained that the human body depends on hormonal signals to regulate how blood flows through arteries. Phthalates can interfere with these signals, disrupting normal heart and blood vessel function and increasing the risk of heart problems.
He also warned about the presence of microplastics in everyday products, which are increasingly being found in the human body and pose serious health risks.
Dr. Renato Apolito, a heart specialist from New Jersey, added that although plastic products are convenient, they often come with long-term health consequences. “We need to balance convenience with safety,” he said.
Sara Hyman, the lead author of the study and a research scientist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, stressed the urgency of the findings. “By highlighting the connection between phthalates and a leading cause of death across the world, our findings add to the growing evidence that these chemicals are a serious threat to public health,” she said.
The study urges individuals and policymakers alike to reconsider the widespread use of harmful chemicals in plastic products and their long-term impact on health.
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