• DEHP exposure contributed to approximately 350,000 heart disease-related deaths globally in 2018, with a significant portion occurring in developing countries.
• Residents of the Middle East and South Asia experience up to six times higher DEHP exposure compared to their European counterparts, leading to higher cardiovascular mortality rates.
• The study highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and international cooperation to reduce DEHP exposure and mitigate its health impacts.

A new study published in The Lancet eBioMedicine has revealed a concerning link between exposure to di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), a chemical used to soften plastics, and an increased risk of death from heart disease. The research, a global survey of cardiovascular mortality from DEHP, estimates that nearly 350,000 deaths worldwide in 2018 were attributable to DEHP exposure. The study underscores significant geographic disparities, with developing regions experiencing substantially higher exposure levels and mortality rates. This finding emphasizes the need for global action to regulate DEHP and reduce its harmful effects on public health.

• What: Exposure to di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), a chemical used to soften plastic products, has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.
• Who: The study primarily focuses on the impact of DEHP on adults aged 55 to 64, with a broader implication for populations in regions with high DEHP exposure, such as the Middle East and South Asia. Key researchers include Sara Hyman and Leonardo Trasande.
• When: The study's findings are based on data from 2018. The research was published online on April 29, 2025.
• Where: The study highlights significant geographic disparities in DEHP exposure and related mortality rates, with the Middle East and South Asia experiencing the highest rates.

The study's findings underscore the significant public health risks associated with DEHP exposure, particularly in regions with less stringent chemical regulations and inadequate waste management practices. The geographic disparities highlight the disproportionate burden borne by developing countries, which often import plastic waste from wealthier nations. The research strengthens the argument for global efforts to regulate DEHP and promote safer alternatives, as well as reduce overall plastic production. The link between DEHP and cardiovascular disease adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that plastic-related chemicals pose a substantial threat to human health.

DEHP-laden plastics are like “a wrecking ball” on human tissues.

There’s no evidence for a threshold at which phthalate exposures are safe.

That there are important health benefits from capping the amount of plastic production...Lowering our exposure to these chemicals in plastics is going to be a critical part of reversing the trend of chronic disease in the U.S.

The study's findings provide compelling evidence of the detrimental impact of DEHP exposure on cardiovascular health, especially in developing regions. The research calls for immediate action to regulate DEHP, reduce plastic production, and implement effective waste management strategies to mitigate the health risks associated with plastic pollution. The ongoing negotiations for the UN's global plastics treaty offer a crucial opportunity to address hazardous chemicals in plastic products and protect public health worldwide. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of DEHP and other plastic-related chemicals.