Plastic is one of the most dangerous sources of pollution, surrounding human life and threatening all body systems.
Plastic is not just an environmental concern—it’s a direct threat to human health. Over time, chemical compounds used in plastics, such as phthalates and bisphenols, have been shown to leach into food, air, and water, accumulating in the human body. These substances are known to disrupt hormonal systems, impair organ function, and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, infertility, and cardiovascular conditions. As scientific understanding deepens, evidence is mounting that everyday exposure to these compounds is not harmless. This report focuses on one alarming finding: the significant link between plastic compounds and heart-related deaths worldwide.
Plastic poses a significant threat to human health, particularly in increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. A recent study revealed that common plastic chemicals were linked to more than 356,000 cardiovascular deaths globally only in 2018.
According to the research published in eBioMedicine, scientists at NYU Grossman School of Medicine estimated that exposure to plastic compounds known as phthalates contributed to approximately 356,238 cardiovascular deaths — representing 13.4% of all cardiovascular-related fatalities among individuals aged 55 to 64.
The study noted that the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia & the Pacific accounted for the largest share of these deaths, totaling 73.1%.
Plastic Compounds: A Hidden Threat to Human Health
Phthalates are salts and esters of phthalic acid. These compounds are widely used as plasticizers — additives that increase the flexibility, transparency, and durability of plastics.
They are found in numerous consumer products such as shampoo, liquid detergents, food containers, children's toys, and more. Humans can be exposed through packaged food, skin absorption via personal care products, or by inhaling airborne particles.
While some studies have identified a link between phthalates and cardiovascular disease, the evidence remains insufficient to confirm a direct causal relationship, according to Professor Sung Kyun Park, an epidemiologist at the University of Michigan.
Dr. Mark Huffman, a cardiologist and co-director of the Center for Global Health at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, commented on the study: “This is a first step toward understanding the scope of the problem,” stressing the need for further research into the connection between phthalates and heart health.
The Silent Killer
Plastic is one of the most dangerous sources of pollution, surrounding human life and threatening all body systems. Studies have shown that phthalates disrupt the endocrine system, meaning they interfere with human hormones. They’ve also been associated with reproductive health issues and complications in pregnancy and childbirth.
In 2022, researchers in the Netherlands found microplastics in human blood for the first time. In 2023, microscopic plastic particles were detected in the hearts of patients undergoing surgery — and plastic has even been found in male reproductive organs.
A study published in Nature found that nanoplastics can penetrate cell membranes and reach the brain — where concentrations may be up to 30 times higher than in the liver or kidneys. These particles, which accumulate in brain tissue, may lead to long-term health effects such as inflammation or hormonal disruptions. The study noted that microplastic concentrations in the brains of individuals who died with dementia were six times higher than in healthy brains.
In 2023, global plastic production reached 413.8 million metric tons, driven by continuous demand. Since its industrial debut in 1907, plastic has spread widely, becoming a major environmental threat.
According to Break Free From Plastic, only 10% of plastic waste is recycled. The world consumes an estimated 5 trillion plastic bags annually, according to data from Statista.
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