Plastic Chemicals Linked to Heart Disease Deaths: A Global Health Concern
A new study has raised significant concerns about the potential link between chemicals found in plastics and a substantial number of heart disease-related deaths worldwide. Researchers at NYU Langone Health have identified a correlation between daily exposure to phthalates, a group of chemicals commonly used in household items, and over 356,000 heart disease deaths in 2018 alone. This alarming figure represents more than 13% of all heart disease deaths globally for individuals aged 55 to 64.
The study, published in the Lancet eBioMedicine journal, focused specifically on the potential risks associated with phthalates, which are widely used in various products, including cosmetics, detergents, solvents, plastic pipes, and even bug repellents. The primary chemical of interest was di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a specific type of phthalate used to enhance the flexibility of plastics in food containers and medical equipment.
The researchers believe DEHP can trigger inflammation in the arteries of the heart, thereby increasing susceptibility to heart attack or stroke. This inflammatory response can disrupt the normal functioning of blood vessels, potentially leading to the formation of clots and other cardiovascular complications.
To assess the extent of DEHP exposure, the research team analyzed data from numerous population surveys spanning 200 countries and territories. Mortality data was sourced from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a U.S.-based research organization that tracks global medical information to identify public health trends.
Sara Hyman, the study’s lead author and an associate research scientist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating that they "add to the vast body of evidence that these chemicals present a tremendous danger to human health." By highlighting the connection between phthalates and heart disease, a leading cause of death globally, the study underscores the urgency of addressing this potential public health threat.
The study identified several regions with particularly high heart disease death tolls linked to phthalates, including the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific. Senior study author Dr. Trasande, the Jim G. Hendrick, MD, professor of pediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, stressed the "urgent need for global regulations to reduce exposure to these toxins, especially in areas most affected by rapid industrialization and plastic consumption." The rapid increase in plastic usage in these regions, coupled with potentially inadequate regulatory oversight, may contribute to higher levels of phthalate exposure and, consequently, increased heart disease risk.
Dr. Jasdeep Dalawari, an Illinois-based interventional cardiologist and regional chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company, provided expert commentary on the study’s findings. He noted that inflammation is a well-established cause of coronary artery disease, and that the study suggests microplastics, which are ubiquitous in everyday products, may interfere with the body’s internal signals that regulate artery function. "This study suggests that microplastics may interfere with those internal signals, so the artery doesn’t perform the way it should," Dr. Dalawari explained.
Another expert, Dr. Renato Apolito, medical director of cardiac catheterization at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, concurred that manmade plastic products have long been recognized as potential health risks. He emphasized the cost-effectiveness driven approach in the manufacturing of these products, which may compromise quality and safety. Dr. Apolito shared his personal choice to avoid non-stick pans and prioritize glass storage containers, suggesting a proactive approach to minimize exposure to potentially harmful plastic chemicals.
While acknowledging the significance of the study’s findings, Dr. Apolito also pointed out its limitations. The study’s "longitudinal and observational" nature means it can only establish correlations, not definitive causation. "It is generally used to see if there’s any correlation between exposure and health risk, which is then used to study the topic further in a more controlled fashion," he explained. The observational design also cannot account for all potential lifestyle variations among the participants, potentially confounding the results.
Echoing this sentiment, senior author Dr. Trasande acknowledged that the analysis does not prove that DEHP directly caused heart disease, and that the study did not account for other types of phthalates. Additionally, the study only examined death rates in the 55-64 age group, suggesting the overall death toll related to phthalate exposure is likely much higher if other age groups were included.
Despite these limitations, the researchers are planning to conduct further investigations to explore the impact of reducing phthalate exposure on mortality rates. They also intend to examine the chemical’s potential role in other health conditions. Dr. Apolito highlighted the importance of these future studies, stating that they "are typically what are used to study the next step of elucidating cause and effect," and could potentially lead to policy changes, such as FDA regulations banning or restricting the use of certain products.
Dr. Dalawari suggested that future research should also consider other contributing factors to heart disease, such as air pollution, which is now recognized as a "novel non-traditional risk factor" for coronary disease. He emphasized the "complex landscape" created by the "intersection of pollution, regulation and genetic predisposition," and the need for further research to disentangle these factors.
The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, has ignited a crucial conversation about the potential risks associated with phthalate exposure. By highlighting the correlation between these chemicals and heart disease mortality, it underscores the need for further research, stricter regulations, and informed consumer choices to mitigate potential health risks. The findings serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between environmental factors and human health, and the importance of proactive measures to safeguard public well-being.
