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4w ago

Plastic Chemical DEHP Linked to Over 356,000 Global Heart Disease Deaths in 2018

New research highlights the disproportionate impact of DEHP exposure in industrializing regions and calls for urgent global regulatory action.

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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 study published in *Lancet eBioMedicine* estimates DEHP exposure contributed to 356,238 heart disease deaths globally in 2018, representing over 13% of mortality in adults aged 55–64.
  • India reported the highest toll with 103,587 deaths, followed by China and Indonesia, reflecting significant geographic disparities in exposure.
  • The Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific accounted for approximately three-quarters of DEHP-related deaths due to high plastic production and weaker regulations.
  • DEHP, a phthalate used in plastics like food containers and medical devices, has been linked to inflammation in heart arteries, increasing risks of heart attack and stroke.
  • Researchers urge stronger international regulations to reduce exposure and plan further studies on how lowering DEHP levels may impact mortality and other health outcomes like preterm birth.