100,000 deaths per year in the US from chemicals used in packaging?

Phthalates, which have a softening effect on plastics, are commonly used in food packaging, toys, vinyl floors, adhesives, detergents, lubricants and hairsprays. However, phthalate has been pointed out that it may cause bio-hormonal action or inhibit hormone action on the contrary. The relationship between phthalates and death due to heart disease has been revealed through research, attracting attention.

A research team from New York University’s Gross Medical School analyzed 5,300 people aged 55 to 64 who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2001 and 2010. The results of this survey include questionnaire answers obtained through interview and urine test results.

The researchers found that people with high levels of phthalates in their urine were more likely to die from heart disease. It pointed out the possibility of premature death of between 91,000 and 107,000 people in the United States each year from phthalates and the possibility that phthalates are causing economic losses of 40 billion to 70 billion dollars each year.

It is still understood that phthalates are associated with heart disease. It has also been understood that heart disease is the leading cause of death. However, they say that the chemical itself has not been shown to have anything to do with death.

In the United States, the use of three types of phthalates is restricted in toys, but the use of these cosmetics or packaging materials is not limited. Of course, this research paper has been reviewed, but it is important to note that the biological relationship between plasticizers and premature death is not clear, and phthalates do not prove a direct cause of premature death.

The research team argued for the need for phthalate regulation by saying that limiting exposure to toxic phthalates is a clear way to protect physical and economic well-being, saying that the research results showed that the effects of phthalates on our society are greater than initially thought. Related information can be found here.