India alone reported 103,587 deaths linked to DEHP exposure.
A recent study by NYU Langone Health has identified a significant link between exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a chemical commonly used in plastics, and heart disease deaths. DEHP is prevalent in everyday items such as food containers, medical equipment, toys, shampoos, and lotions.
The research revealed that DEHP exposure was associated with 356,238 deaths among individuals aged 55 to 64 in 2018, accounting for over 13% of global heart disease deaths that year.
The study analyzed urine samples and environmental data from 200 regions worldwide, finding that areas with burgeoning plastics industries, like India, experienced the highest number of DEHP-related fatalities. India alone reported 103,587 deaths.
“DEHP appears to be particularly cardiotoxic,” the researchers noted.
They warn that the true scale of mortality linked to plastic exposure may be even higher, as the study focused on a limited age group. They call for urgent policy reforms and greater public awareness to mitigate further health risks.