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Lack of regulation in plastic packaging
While the study does not investigate the origins of exposure within each country and region, it attributes the higher exposure levels of DEHP to “the lack of regulation in products, high rates of plastic product use, and large amounts of plastic waste with underdeveloped waste management sectors.”
“Since 2018, the Chinese government reports it has banned 24 categories of foreign waste, including plastic waste, while India has incorporated DEHP restrictions into its food packaging sector, but these regulations have been very recent.”
DEHP exposure is connected to inflammation in the heart’s arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes over time.
Although the study targeted adults aged 55 to 64, researchers warn that the total death toll from plastic-related chemical exposure could be significantly higher.
Beyond heart disease, DEHP is linked to serious health issues like obesity, diabetes, infertility, and cancer. The team called for urgent research to explore the wider impact of phthalates, including their potential role in causing premature births.
The study calls for an urgent need for global regulations to minimize exposure to these toxins, especially in rapidly industrializing countries.
Also read: https://firstcheck.in/black-plastics-cancer-risk-fact-check/
