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Study Links Over 356,000 Global Cardiovascular Deaths in 2018 to Plasticiser DEHP

New research highlights DEHP's significant health burden, especially in Asia, and calls for urgent global regulatory action despite ongoing scientific debate.

According to a new study, we have more reasons to abandon the use of plastic in common household items.
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Overview

  • The NYU-led study estimates 356,238 cardiovascular deaths in 2018 were attributable to DEHP exposure, accounting for 13.4% of global CVD mortality that year.
  • Asia, particularly South Asia and the Middle East, bore 73% of the DEHP-attributable deaths, while Europe reported the lowest exposure levels.
  • DEHP, an endocrine-disrupting chemical used in plastics like food packaging and medical devices, is linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes via oxidative stress and metabolic disruption.
  • Researchers emphasize the need for immediate global policy interventions to mitigate health risks from phthalate exposure, particularly in heavily industrialized and plastic-consuming regions.
  • Experts caution that the study's findings show association, not causation, and note the limitations of attributing deaths to a single chemical in multifactorial diseases like CVD.