A common plastic chemical found in everyday household items is linked to over 356,000 heart disease deaths worldwide in a single year, according to a groundbreaking new study from NYU Langone Health.
At a Glance
- Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), used to make plastics flexible, contributed to an estimated 13% of global heart disease deaths among people aged 55-64 in 2018
- The chemical is found in common household items including food packaging, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, and medical equipment
- Countries with rapid industrialization and less stringent plastic regulations face the highest mortality rates, with India, China, and Indonesia most affected
- Simple precautions can reduce exposure, such as avoiding ultra-processed foods and not heating food in plastic containers
The Silent Killer in Your Home
A chemical that makes plastics more flexible may be significantly more dangerous than previously understood. NYU Langone Health researchers have released alarming findings linking di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) exposure to over 356,000 heart disease deaths globally in 2018. This chemical is ubiquitous in everyday household items, from food containers and shower curtains to vinyl flooring and medical devices. The study, published in The Lancet’s eBiomedicine journal, represents the first comprehensive global estimate of cardiovascular mortality connected to phthalate exposure.
The research team analyzed data from more than 200 countries, using urine samples to assess DEHP exposure levels and cross-referencing this information with mortality statistics. They discovered that exposure to this common chemical was associated with approximately 13% of all heart disease deaths among people aged 55 to 64 worldwide. Particularly concerning was the finding that DEHP exposure has cost the world 10.47 million years of life lost in a single year, with a global economic burden estimated at $510 billion.
Heart disease death risk raised by common household products, study finds https://t.co/Nn7rLWurnS
— Jim (@DAYUNITEDSTATES) May 2, 2025
Global Health Disparity
The study revealed stark geographical disparities in heart disease risks from phthalates. Areas with rapid industrialization and less stringent regulations on plastics face substantially higher mortality rates. India, China, and Indonesia recorded the highest number of DEHP-related deaths, with regions across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa being significantly affected. This uneven distribution highlights how economic development patterns and regulatory frameworks directly impact public health outcomes.
The mechanism behind DEHP’s deadly effects involves its role as an endocrine disruptor. These chemicals interfere with the body’s hormone systems, potentially leading to a cascade of health problems beyond heart disease. Senior researcher Dr. Leonardo Trasande explained that “phthalates contribute to inflammation of the coronary arteries, which can accelerate the progression of existing conditions and lead to acute events, including death.” Previous research has linked phthalates to obesity, diabetes, fertility problems, cancer, and birth defects.
Protecting Yourself
While the study findings are concerning, researchers emphasize that the risks are not unavoidable. Simple precautions can significantly reduce exposure to DEHP and other phthalates. Avoiding ultra-processed foods packed in plastic containers is an important first step, as these chemicals can leach into food. Being cautious about product labels is also crucial – look out for “phthalate-free” designations and be wary of vague terms like “fragrance,” which may mask phthalate content.
Other practical steps include never reheating food in plastic containers, limiting consumption of fast food (which often uses plastic packaging), and utilizing resources like the Environmental Working Group’s “EWG VERIFIED” mark and product databases to find phthalate-free alternatives. While individual actions matter, the researchers emphasize that industry-wide changes and stronger global regulations are ultimately needed to address this significant public health threat.
Future Research and Limitations
The research team, funded by the National Institutes of Health and Beyond Petrochemicals, plans to continue investigating phthalate-related health risks. They acknowledge several limitations to their current study, including its observational nature, which means it cannot definitively prove that DEHP alone caused heart disease. Additionally, the research focused only on one age group (55-64) and did not account for other phthalates or lifestyle variations that might influence outcomes.
Nevertheless, the study represents a significant advance in understanding how everyday chemicals affect cardiovascular health on a global scale. As lead researcher Sara Hyman noted, the findings add to the “vast body of evidence that these chemicals present a tremendous danger to human health.” The research serves as a wake-up call for both consumers and policymakers to find a better balance between the convenience of plastics and the protection of public health.
