Recent research has uncovered unexpected and alarming links between household plastics and cardiovascular disease risk, especially in people ages 55 to 64. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, an interventional cardiologist who has studied the impact of plastic pollution on human health, including the dangers raised by widely used plastic products. A 2021 study indicated that phthalates, chemicals widely found in plastic items, may contribute to approximately 100,000 premature deaths annually in the United States within this age demographic.
The implications extend beyond the United States. In 2018, the same researchers found di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) responsible for over 350,000 deaths globally. This shocking statistic was mainly felt by those in the 55 to 64 age bracket. Worryingly, DEHP was responsible for over 13% of all global deaths from cardiovascular disease in this age group. In fact, South Asia and the Middle East exhibited the highest rates of deaths from exposure to DEHP globally. These areas represented an average of nearly 17% of those deaths. Latin America, East Asia, Pacific, and his own country of Canada had about 13%. At the same time, Australia and Africa observed about 12% each.
The Role of Microplastics
Recent research has begun to examine the effects microplastics may have on cardiovascular health as well. A 2024 study revealed a significant association between microplastics found in arterial plaque and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. In April, researchers made headlines when they found up to 240,000 detectable plastic fragments—called nanoplastics—in some bottled water. For instance, products such as chewing gum can leach out hundreds to thousands of microplastics per gram.
These results highlight an urgent need for the public to be informed of the negative health impacts of plastics. Like Cheng-Han Chen, Henkema wants to see more efforts to limit the exposure to plastics in the environment. He continued, “As we continue to learn about the harmful health impact of plastic exposure, it is evident that we should minimize our exposure to plastics in the environment.”
Practical Steps to Reduce Exposure
They advise a number of approaches to reduce exposure to dangerous plastics. Jayne Morgan suggests people use steel or aluminum forks and spoons, rather than plastic. She touches on everything from cooking with non-plastic cookware to minimizing takeout containers where you can.
“Avoid microwaving or even dishwashing a plastic item, such as a bowl, as the heat can cause chemicals to leach,” – Jayne Morgan
Along with swapping out utensils, Morgan says the solution lies in looking at dietary choices. So she encourages increasing fresh fruits and vegetables and cooking foods from scratch more to decrease the amount of processed or pre-packaged foods.
“Work toward eating more fresh plants and fruits, and less processed and/or canned or pre-packaged foods,” – Jayne Morgan
Yu-Ming Ni highlights the importance of using more durable non-plastic containers for storage and avoiding heating plastics to minimize their release into the air.
“While it is difficult to eliminate our exposure to plastics in our environment, we can still try to reduce our use of plastics, especially of single-use plastics such as plastic utensils and food containers,” – Cheng-Han Chen
The Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle
Despite the risks associated with plastic exposure, health experts reiterate that an overall healthy lifestyle remains crucial for cardiovascular health. Cheng-Han Chen reminds everyone to maintain a balanced diet with less sodium. He encourages them to exercise regularly, get enough sleep, maintain a healthy weight, refrain from using tobacco and drinking alcohol, and reduce stress.
“I typically recommend that people eat a healthy, balanced diet low in sodium, engage in regular physical activity, get an adequate amount of quality sleep, maintain a healthy weight, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and reduce stress,” – Yu-Ming Ni
Research is ongoing to understand the relationship between plastic exposure and health effects. Instances where reducing consumption of plastic could lead to undeniable public health benefits. This expanding documentation of harm necessitates both individual action and greater societal efforts to eliminate plastics.
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