A new groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at New York University (NYU) has shed light on the devastating impact of a common household chemical, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), linking it to an astonishing number of cardiovascular deaths worldwide. The research, which analyzed deaths from heart disease, reveals that DEHP, a plastic-softening chemical, may have contributed to more than 350,000 deaths globally in 2018 alone, particularly in countries with high exposure to this hazardous substance.

This chemical, found in household products, food packaging, and medical devices, has long been associated with a range of serious health issues, including obesity, diabetes, fertility problems, and cancer. However, this new study highlights its potentially lethal role in the development of heart disease, a leading cause of death worldwide. With DEHP possibly increasing inflammation in the arteries, the risk of heart attacks and strokes is significantly amplified, especially for people aged 55 to 64, a group already at a heightened risk of heart disease.

In this article, we delve into the shocking findings of this study, explore the widespread presence of DEHP in everyday products, and discuss the urgent need for regulatory action to reduce exposure to this dangerous chemical.

What is DEHP and Where is it Found?

Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a common plasticizer used in various consumer and industrial products. Phthalates, including DEHP, are chemicals that are added to plastics to make them more flexible and durable. DEHP is found in a wide array of household products, medical devices, food packaging, and more. Its widespread use is a major contributor to the global exposure to this harmful chemical.

Household Products Containing DEHP

Some of the common household items that may contain DEHP include:

• Cleaning products

• Vinyl flooring

• Shower curtains

• Garden hoses

• Wire and cable coatings

• Wallpaper

• Synthetic leather

• Plastic toys (though the use of DEHP in children's toys was banned in the U.S. by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008)

Food-Related Items Containing DEHP

DEHP is also found in many food-related products, particularly in food packaging, where it is used to make plastic wrap or containers more flexible.

• Food packaging (including plastic wraps and containers)

• Conveyor belts in food processing plants

Medical Products Containing DEHP

DEHP is present in a variety of medical devices, particularly those made from flexible plastic materials, including:

• IV bags and tubing

• Blood bags

• Catheters

• Other flexible medical devices

The presence of DEHP in these everyday items raises concerns about the widespread exposure to this harmful chemical, especially given its potential to cause long-term health problems.

The Alarming Findings of the NYU Study

The study, which was published in The Lancet eBiomedicine on April 29, 2023, is the first global estimate of cardiovascular deaths tied directly to phthalate exposure. The researchers from NYU Grossman School of Medicine conducted a thorough analysis, including urine samples, to estimate the amount of DEHP that had entered people's bodies. The findings were both alarming and eye-opening.

The researchers focused on men and women aged 55 to 64, an age group particularly vulnerable to heart disease. The study estimated that DEHP exposure may have contributed to over 350,000 heart disease-related deaths worldwide in 2018. The highest death tolls were reported in the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific regions, which collectively accounted for nearly 75 percent of the global deaths linked to DEHP.

In particular, India alone experienced over 100,000 deaths related to DEHP exposure, followed by China and Indonesia. The high death rates in these countries can be attributed to their higher levels of DEHP exposure, which are compounded by weaker manufacturing restrictions and a rapid increase in plastic production.

The Economic Impact of DEHP Exposure

The researchers also estimated the economic cost of these deaths to be around $510 billion. However, the true cost could be as high as $3.74 trillion, according to the study's findings. This staggering economic burden highlights the far-reaching consequences of DEHP exposure on public health and the global economy.

The significant number of deaths and the immense financial costs associated with DEHP exposure have spurred calls for urgent regulatory action to limit the use of this harmful chemical, particularly in countries with the highest levels of exposure.

What Does the Study Reveal About the Global Threat of DEHP?

Lead author of the study, Sara Hyman, BS, an associate research scientist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, emphasized the alarming nature of these findings. “By highlighting the connection between phthalates and a leading cause of death across the world, our findings add to the vast body of evidence that these chemicals present a tremendous danger to human health,” she said.

The study also brought attention to the urgent need for global regulation of DEHP, especially in countries with high rates of exposure. The researchers argued that tighter manufacturing restrictions and more stringent regulations are necessary to reduce DEHP levels in consumer products, medical supplies, and food packaging. With the rising production of plastic and the widespread use of DEHP, it is imperative that countries enact stronger policies to protect public health.

What is the Link Between DEHP and Heart Disease?

While the study does not conclusively prove that DEHP directly causes heart disease, it does suggest a strong link between phthalate exposure and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. The researchers propose that DEHP may cause inflammation in the arteries, which in turn increases the likelihood of these deadly heart conditions.

Phthalates, including DEHP, have been associated with a range of other health issues, including obesity, diabetes, cancer, and fertility problems. However, the new research underscores the particular danger that DEHP poses to heart health, highlighting its potential to accelerate the onset of heart disease in individuals who are already at risk.

The Importance of Regulatory Action

The findings of this study underscore the importance of tightening regulations surrounding the use of DEHP and other phthalates. As the study revealed, countries with weaker manufacturing restrictions and higher levels of plastic production face a disproportionate burden of DEHP-related health problems. These nations are at risk of experiencing more deaths, particularly from heart disease, as exposure to these chemicals continues to rise.

The researchers have called for immediate action to regulate the use of DEHP globally, especially in regions with the highest rates of exposure. By introducing more stringent regulations, governments can help mitigate the risks associated with phthalate exposure and protect the health of millions of people.

What’s Next?

The researchers have outlined their next steps, which include further investigations into how reducing phthalate exposure could impact global mortality rates. Additionally, they plan to explore the links between phthalates and other health issues, such as preterm births, and continue to assess the broader effects of these chemicals on public health.

The study’s findings serve as a wake-up call for governments, regulatory bodies, and the general public. As the evidence continues to mount regarding the dangers of DEHP, there is a growing consensus that urgent regulatory action is needed to reduce exposure and protect human health.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The new study from NYU highlights the shocking link between DEHP, a common household chemical, and the tragic loss of life from heart disease. With over 350,000 deaths attributed to DEHP exposure in 2018 alone, it is clear that this chemical presents a serious global health threat. The study calls for immediate regulatory action to limit the use of DEHP, particularly in countries with the highest levels of exposure.

As the research continues, it is essential that governments, manufacturers, and consumers work together to reduce the widespread use of harmful chemicals like DEHP. By doing so, we can safeguard our health, protect the environment, and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.