Plastic problem: 7 ways everyday products are hurting your heart health

Heating or storing food in plastic containers can cause chemicals to seep into your meals

Plastic use is ubiquitous; from food containers to beauty products. However, research shows they may be doing more harm to the planet and your health than previously thought. A recent study has found a strong link between certain plastic chemicals and heart disease, raising serious health concerns across developing and industrialising regions.

A study published in The Lancet eBiomedicine links the plastic chemical DEHP, commonly found in packaging and consumer goods, to over 356,000 cardiovascular deaths globally in 2018. Significant disparities were observed, with South Asia, the Middle East, East Asia, and the Pacific accounting for over 70 percent of these deaths.

The findings call for urgent global action to regulate DEHP-related risks. DEHP is a chemical used to make plastics soft and flexible, but it’s now linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It can disrupt hormones, increase oxidative stress, and damage blood vessels over time.

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Plastic chemicals (DEHP) and how they may harm heart health:

As per the study, in 2018, nearly 356,000 people worldwide aged 55–64 died from heart conditions linked to DEHP exposure. That accounts for about 13.5 percent of all heart disease-related deaths in that age group. Over 349,000 of these deaths were attributed to common plastic exposures, from food packaging and containers to cosmetics and medical supplies.

The exposure also led to 10.47 million years of life lost (YLL) globally. The research highlights the need for stronger regulations, especially in countries with expanding plastic industries and limited safety standards.

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7 ways plastic use may be harming your heart:

• Leaks into food: Heating or storing food in plastic containers can cause chemicals to seep into your meals.
• Absorbs through skin: Lotions, creams, and other personal care items can allow phthalates to enter the body.
• Inhaled from air: Tiny plastic particles can linger indoors and be inhaled over time.
• Impacts hormones: Phthalates can disrupt hormone function, affecting heart and metabolic health.
• Causes inflammation: Chronic exposure may trigger arterial inflammation, increasing heart disease risk.
• Affects fat storage: These chemicals can interfere with fat metabolism, contributing to obesity and heart problems.
• Builds up slowly: Even low-level, regular exposure adds up over time, increasing long-term health risks.