The study confirmed: The chemical compounds we can find all around us shorten our lifespan

Synthetic chemicals phthalates, found in hundreds of products we use every day, have been linked to a higher risk of death, especially from cardiovascular disease, a study confirmed published in the journal Environmental Pollution.

The study found that high levels of phthalates, which can be found in plastic products, shampoos, makeup, perfumes, and children’s toys, are likely responsible for nearly 100,000 premature deaths of people aged 55 to 64 in the US.

This study is another in a series of studies of the impact of plastic on the human body and shows how important it is for public health and the economy to reduce or completely eliminate the use of plastic, said the study leader, Professor Dr. Leonardo Trasande from the University NYU Lagone Health in New York.

Phthalates are known to inhibit the production of hormones in the human body. Previous studies have already linked phthalates to reproductive health problems, but also to childhood obesity, asthma, cardiovascular problems, and cancer.

Trasande points out that it is not possible to confirm with certainty that phthalates are responsible for premature death, but the data is very indicative.

We already know that phthalates affect the male sex hormone, testosterone, which indicates the potential development of cardiovascular disease in an adult male. We already know that exposure to these chemicals leads to the development of various disorders that can lead to death, such as obesity and diabetes , Trasande pointed out.

He added that it is possible to reduce exposure to phthalates and other harmful chemical compounds found in plastics and plastic products.

First of all, avoid plastic as much as possible. Never place a plastic container in a microwave or dishwasher, as heat affects the surface and chemicals come into contact with food more easily. Also, by preparing food at home, you reduce the consumption of processed foods and the levels of chemicals you come in contact with , Trasande says, adding that it would also be good to use body lotions and detergents that have no added odors, store food in glass, ceramic, or wood container. You should also buy frozen rather than canned food, wash your hands more often and avoid air fresheners.

But they disagree with Trasande’s study at the American Chemical Council (ACC), which represents the U.S. plastics and chemical industries.

Most of the content within Trasande's latest study is not very accurate, Eileen Conneely of the ACC said.

She stated that the study drew conclusions by equalizing all phthalates, without separating different types of phthalates. She also states that some phthalates, such as DINP and DIDP, have less toxicity than others, which is not mentioned in the study. 

By: Olivia J. - Zexron