NEW YORK (April 29, 2025) — NYU Langone Health has published a new analysis in Lancet eBiomedicine that shows that daily exposure to a phthalate called di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), which is used to make food containers, medical equipment, and other household plastics, could be linked to more than 356,000 global deaths from heart disease in 2018—more than 13 percent of all global mortality from heart disease among men and women ages 55 through 64.

“The body of evidence continues to grow, showing plastics and the petrochemicals they are made with represent a global health crisis,” said Brandi Jenkins, deputy director, Beyond Petrochemicals. “Global plastic production is set to triple by 2050 unless we act now. These findings highlight the urgent need for world leaders to agree on a meaningful Global Plastics Treaty. Lives are on the line.”  

The impact of DEHP exposure on heart disease was most prominent in the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific. The study showed that the combined region of East Asia and the Middle East and the combined region of East Asia and the Pacific accounted, respectively, for 41.7% and 31.5% of the mortality from heart disease linked to DEHP. The researchers noted that the countries facing the highest rates of heart disease connected to DEHP often face a rapid expansion of plastics production while having fewer manufacturing regulations in place to protect communities from chemical exposure.

The global economic impact of these deaths is substantial. The authors calculated that the loss could be as high as $3.74 trillion.  

In the United States, nearly 10.5 percent of cardiovascular mortality in 2018 was attributable to DEHP. Phthalates like DEHP used in dozens of household products have long been linked to a range of health issues, including increased risk of diabetes, fertility issues, and cancer. Exposure to these chemicals has been shown to spark inflammation in the arteries around the heart, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

“We are proud to have helped fund this important research,” said Jenkins. “The findings underscore the need for urgent action to address the rapid expansion of petrochemical manufacturing.”

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MEDIA CONTACT: Matt Smelser, matt@beyondpetrochemicals.org

About Beyond Petrochemicals:

Beyond Petrochemicals: People Over Pollution is a national campaign working to stop the rapid growth of petrochemical and plastic pollution in the U.S. Focused on over 120 proposed projects in Louisiana, Texas, and the Ohio River Valley, the campaign supports frontline community efforts and pushes for stronger regulations to safeguard the health of American communities.

For more information, please visit us at beyondpetrochemicals.org and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.