A growing body of research is showing that chemicals commonly found in household and industrial plastics cause alarming health and economic damage. Bisphenol A (BPA), Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)and Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) involved in millions of cases heart disease, strokeand death all over the world. Researchers are calling for immediate action, but skeptics say questions about causation persist.
The silent threat of plastic
The international team analyzed data from more than 1,700 studies conducted around the world. 38 countries. They found a strong correlation between exposure to these chemicals and a variety of severe symptoms. Health effects. For example, BPA is a widely used additive. food packagingEspecially as a lining for cans and bottles. The study estimates that exposure to BPA contributes to 5.4 million ischemic heart disease cases, 346,000 strokes, and 431,000 deaths worldwide. In 2015 alone. The economic burden associated with it has reached an alarming level. 1 trillion dollars In lost purchasing power.
Similarly, DEHP, a commonly used phthalate flexible plastic Shower curtains, medical tubes, etc. endocrine disruption. A 2022 study found that increased DEHP metabolites in the urine correlated with high blood sugar levels. mortality rate. The latest analysis attributes 164,000 deaths and $398 billion in global economic losses to exposure to DEHP.
PBDE, used as follows flame retardant Additional risks arise in electronics, textiles and automotive parts. Mainly exposed inhalationskin contact, or contaminated food. neurological disorder. Researchers estimate that approximately 12 million IQ points were lost due to maternal PBDE exposure, highlighting its potential impact. cognitive development.
evidence and controversy
While this finding is concerning, the study relied on: Observation datamaking it difficult to establish definitive causal relationships. For example, people with high exposure to plastic may also have plastic-related dietary habits. cardiovascular diseaseSuch as frequent consumption of processed foods.
Kevin McConway, a statistician not involved in the study, urged caution. “This study cannot definitively establish the extent. [these chemicals] It causes extra health deterioration and increased mortality,” he explained. Despite these uncertainties, researchers like Maureen Cropper of the University of Maryland argue that the evidence is sufficient to justify it. immediate action.
“Our goal was to quantify the damage associated with the three most well-studied chemicals found in plastics,” Cropper said. “The magnitude of the impact they seek is worldwide attention”
Aiming for safer plastics
The researchers claim: preventive approach Opposes plastic regulations and emphasizes the need to shift the burden of proof Manufacturer. This is consistent with the following practice: Pharmaceutical regulationswhere safety must be demonstrated before approval.
“Protecting human health from the dangers of chemicals in plastics will require a paradigm shift in national chemical laws in several countries,” the study said. The team wants unified global policy It prioritizes health over industrial convenience and warns that delays could cause further preventable harm.
As the plastic pollution crisis intersects, public healthit has become increasingly urgent to address the risks posed by these chemicals. With lives and billions of dollars at stake, calling for stricter regulation is an important step toward mitigating this hidden danger.
The paper is published below PNAS.
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