Chemicals used in packaging may play role in 100,000 US deaths a year! A new study published in the journal Environmental Pollution showed that daily exposure to phthalates, also known as plasticizers, may lead to hundreds to thousands of early deaths each year among older adults in the US.

Urine concentration of phthalates in more than 5,000 adults aged 55-64 were collected and compared. Adults with the highest concentration of phthalates in their urine were more likely to die of any cause, especially heart disease, then adults with lesser amounts of urine phthalates. The research team found that phthalates could contribute to 91,000 to 107,000 premature deaths per year in the U.S.

What are phthalates?

Phthalates are synthetic compounds found in hundreds of consumer products. You can find them in things like:

  • perfume

  • nail polish

  • shampoo

  • soap

  • lotions

  • hair sprays

  • detergents

  • adhesives

  • insecticides

  • plastics

  • food storage containers

  • children’s toys

  • as well as, vinyl flooring, PVC piping, building materials, shower curtains, lubricants, medical tubing, and plastic plumbing pipes.

How do they affect our health?

Phthalates interrupt the body’s endocrine system and hormone production. They have been linked to developmental, reproductive, and immune problems. Some studies have linked them to asthma, childhood obesity, and cancer.

How do they get into our bodies?

  • Eating or drinking things served or packaged in plastic that contains phthalates.

  • Using cosmetics, shampoo, skin moisturizers, and other personal care products containing phthalates.

  • Having contact with dust in rooms where the carpet, upholstery, wall coverings, or wood finishes have phthalates.

  • Eating or drinking dairy and meat products from animals that have been exposed.

What can be done to limit exposure?

  • Avoid plastics as much as you can.

  • Use glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wood for food and beverage storage.

  • Avoid heating plastic in microwaves.

  • Check all your cosmetic labels and avoid products listing phthalates as an ingredient as well as it’s acronyms DHEP or DiBP.

  • Hand wash frequently with soap and water since it has been shown to remove phthalates from skin.

References

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749121016031

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969715001576

About the author

Since 2005, Dr. Fey has helped women, men, and children find real solutions to their health concerns. She truly believes that giving the proper care and nutrients your body has an amazing ability to heal. She is committed to finding the root cause of illness by utilizing a whole body approach not just focusing solely on presenting symptoms. With her scientific background, Dr. Fey uses science based natural approaches to treating disease.

Dr. Amanda Fey is the owner and practicing Naturopathic Doctor at Complementary Medicine & Healing Arts, the Southern Tiers Center for Natural Healthcare located in the Binghamton NY area. The office website is www.naturallywell.us. Dr. Fey is currently offering telemedicine for patients all across the US. To contact the office, call 607-729-0591 or email cmhahealth@gmail.com.