What global health threat has been linked to daily exposure to plastics?
Plastics may be silently killing us.
A new study published in The Lancet eBioMedicine has linked daily exposure to DEHP, a chemical used in many everyday plastic products, to over 356,000 cardiovascular deaths worldwide in 2018 — especially among people aged 55 to 64.
DEHP is a type of phthalate, found in everything from food containers and toys to beauty products and medical equipment. It’s known to disrupt the endocrine system, and now, researchers at NYU Langone Hospital say it may also be contributing to massive global heart mortality.
The study shows that 13% of all heart disease deaths in 2018 may be connected to this chemical. Hardest-hit regions include South and East Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific — areas with high plastic use and fewer production regulations.
Scientists say the evidence is clear: phthalates are a danger to human health and global regulations are urgently needed. Despite this, efforts to finalize an international plastics treaty have stalled, with the next round of talks scheduled for August in Geneva.
The message is growing louder: the true cost of plastic isn’t just environmental — it’s human.
