Did you know that a chemical used to soften plastic may be contributing to hundreds of thousands of heart disease deaths around the world?
A new global study has just sounded the alarm on DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate)—a type of phthalate (pronounced thal-ates) used in everything from vinyl flooring and medical tubing to shampoo bottles and food packaging. Scientists now estimate that DEHP alone was linked to roughly 356,000 cardiovascular deaths in 2018 among adults aged 55 to 64. That’s over 10% of all heart disease deaths in that age group globally that year.
Let that sink in: one plastic chemical, contributing to more than 1 in 10 heart-related deaths in middle-aged adults.
What Are Phthalates?
Often called “everywhere chemicals,” phthalates are synthetic compounds added to plastics to make them flexible, durable, and long-lasting. They’re found in:
- PVC pipes
- Vinyl flooring
- Food containers
- Raincoats
- Toys
- Personal care items like shampoo, soap, and perfume
They’re even in the scent of your air freshener. That “fresh linen” smell? It might linger longer thanks to phthalates.
The Health Risks Go Far Beyond the Heart
While this new study focused on DEHP’s role in heart disease, researchers like Dr. Leonardo Trasande have long warned about phthalates’ broader impact. These chemicals are endocrine disruptors, meaning they mess with our hormones. And when hormones are off-balance, the body suffers.
Here’s what else science has linked to phthalate exposure:
- Lower testosterone and reduced sperm counts in men
- Birth defects in infant boys
- Asthma and obesity in children
- Increased risk for certain cancers
- Metabolic disorders and reproductive issues
Even the so-called “safer” phthalates like DINP and DIDP haven’t been studied enough to give anyone peace of mind.
What Can We Do?
While it’s hard to completely avoid phthalates in our modern world, we can reduce our exposure. Here are some practical steps:
✅ Don’t microwave food in plastic — heat releases phthalates.
✅ Use glass, ceramic, stainless steel, or wood for food storage.
✅ Choose fragrance-free or “phthalate-free” personal care products.
✅ Eat fresh or frozen food over canned and highly processed ones.
✅ Wash your hands before eating — especially after touching plastic or packaged goods.
✅ Steer clear of plastics labeled #3, #6, or #7.
Why This Matters
Beyond the health risks, the economic toll is staggering. One U.S.-based study estimated that phthalate-related premature deaths cost the country up to $47 billion annually in lost productivity.
But this isn’t just about statistics. It’s about our everyday choices. About what we bring into our homes. About protecting our families, our children, our future.
I know — it’s hard to imagine that something as ordinary as a shampoo bottle or takeout container could have this kind of impact. But the science is piling up, and the message is clear: our health is deeply connected to the hidden chemicals around us.
Let’s pay attention.
