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Plastic Additive DEHP Linked to Over 368,000 Global Heart Disease Deaths in 2018

New research highlights regional disparities, economic costs, and systemic inflammation as key factors, prompting calls for global regulatory action.

Young woman sitting in a park, eating salad
Storing food in plastic containers exposes you to potentially dangerous chemicals that can lead from the plastic into the food, experts say.
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Overview

  • A groundbreaking study estimates DEHP exposure contributed to 368,764 heart disease deaths globally in 2018, representing over 10% of fatalities among adults aged 55–64.
  • Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East accounted for approximately 55% of these deaths, with India, Pakistan, and Egypt showing the highest national tolls.
  • The economic burden of DEHP-related mortality is estimated between $510 billion and $3.74 trillion, underscoring the financial impact of phthalate exposure.
  • DEHP, a phthalate used in plastics, promotes systemic inflammation in coronary arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and acute events.
  • Researchers call for international regulations to reduce exposure and plan follow-up studies on broader health effects and mitigation strategies.