According to a lenset study, usually found in domestic plastic items, chemicals found in the world are associated with more than 3.5 million deaths from heart disease.

Research under the leadership of scientists of Nyu Langon Health in the US is focused on a type of chemical called Dehp (DI-2-ethylhexil phthalate), which is used to make plastic soft and flexible in products such as food containers, pipes, cosmetics, bik sprays and even medical devices.

According to researchers, Dehp Exposure may have caused over 3.56 lakh heart -related deaths in 2018 alone, especially in people between 55 and 64 years of age.

The team used health survey and urine tests from 200 countries to estimate people’s risk for DEHP. He then compared this data with a death record with a global research organization, Institute for Health Matrix and Evolution.

Authors said that this is the first global estimate of heart disease deaths associated with this type of plastic chemicals.

High mortality in Asia and Middle East

The study found that countries of South Asia, East Asia, Pacific and Middle East were the most affected, about 75% of deaths related to these chemicals in these areas.

Within regions, countries with older populated countries such as India (1,03,587), China (60,937), and Indonesia (19,761) experienced the highest number of DEHP-Atreya deaths.

Researchers believe that this is because these countries are producing more plastic but are weak rules on chemical security.

Senior writer of the study, Dr. Leonardo Crassande said, “There is a clear inequality in which heart risks have been increased in parts of the world. There is an immediate need for better global rules, especially in fast growing countries,” Dr. Lyonardo Tussande, a senior writer of the study, said.

How do these chemicals affect health?

When Dehp breaks into small particles, they can enter the human body through food, water or air. These particles can cause inflammation in the arteries of the heart, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke over time.

In addition to heart problems, earlier research has linked fathalets with obesity, diabetes, hormone imbalances, reproductive problems and even health issues.

In 2021, the same research team estimated that more than 50,000 old Americans were dying every year due to these chemicals, mainly due to heart disease.

A expensive problem

Along with health risks, the study also calculated the economic burden caused by these deaths. Researchers stated that the total economic loss was estimated at $ 510 billion (Rs 51,000 crore), and may even be high as $ 3.74 trillion (Rs 3,74,000 crore).

Dr. Tracende said that while this study was only focused on DEHP and a specific age group, the actual number of deaths caused by plastic chemicals is likely to be very high.

Researchers now plan to study whether to reduce the future deaths in future and whether these chemicals also affect other health problems such as preterm births.