Death by plastic. It is real. And more and more studies are being released to confirm my statement. One class of compounds in plastic is particularly nefarious: Phthalates. Tough name to spell and pronounce, but leads to high blood pressure, arterial disease, and inflammation/oxidative stress. 

Phthalates are used as plasticizers in the plastic industry. Here are the top 10 sources: 

Phthalates, a group of chemicals used to make plastics more durable and flexible, can be found in various everyday products. Here are the top 10 sources of human exposure to phthalates:

1. Plastic Packaging: Food and beverage containers made from plastic can leach phthalates into the contents, especially when heated.
2. Personal Care Products: Items such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, and cosmetics often contain phthalates to hold fragrance and color.
3. Household Items: Vinyl flooring, wall coverings, and shower curtains are common sources of phthalates.
4. Children’s Toys: Many plastic toys contain phthalates to make them flexible and durable.
5. Medical Devices: IV tubing, blood bags, and other medical equipment often contain phthalates.
6. Cleaning Products: Some cleaning agents and detergents use phthalates for fragrance.
7. Food Products: Fatty foods like dairy, meat, and oils can contain phthalates from processing and packaging materials.
8. Building Materials: Construction materials such as adhesives, sealants, and paints may contain phthalates.
9. Automotive Products: Car interiors, including upholstery and dashboard materials, can be significant sources of phthalates.
10. Electronics: Cables, wires, and other electronic components may have phthalate-containing plastic coatings.

Phthalates can leach into the environment and be absorbed by the human body, disrupting hormonal balance and potentially causing various health issues, including endocrine disruption.

Exposure and Absorption

Phthalates are not chemically bound to plastics, making them easily released into the environment during production, use, or disposal. Human exposure occurs through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Studies show higher phthalate metabolite levels in women, likely due to greater use of personal care products, and higher levels in children, indicating greater susceptibility to environmental exposure.

DEHP, or Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, is one of the most commonly used phthalates. It is primarily used as a plasticizer to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other plastics more flexible and durable. 

Animal Studies

1. Blood Pressure: Animal studies have shown that DEHP exposure can increase blood pressure (BP) in offspring, suggesting mechanisms involving reduced nitric oxide production and increased angiotensin II signaling.
2. Atherosclerosis: Research in mice indicates that DEHP exposure increases oxidative stress and lipid abnormalities, promoting atherosclerosis.
3. Cardiac Effects: Studies on mice and zebrafish demonstrate that phthalates can impair cardiac development and function, causing structural deformities and altered gene expression related to heart health.

Human Studies

1. Blood Pressure: Limited studies in adults show mixed results, with some indicating DEHP’s role in increasing systolic BP. Studies in pregnant women and children suggest phthalates may contribute to hypertension and preeclampsia, though results are inconsistent.
2. Atherosclerosis: Research indicates a potential link between phthalate exposure and atherosclerosis in humans, but data is limited.
3. Cardiometabolic Risk: Phthalates are associated with increased cardiometabolic risk factors, such as insulin resistance and obesity, in both children and adults.

Mechanisms of Action

Phthalates may increase oxidative stress, disrupt lipid and glucose homeostasis, and interfere with androgen hormone production, contributing to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular issues. In vitro studies suggest that phthalates like MEHP can induce apoptosis through reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathways, further implicating oxidative stress in their harmful effects.

Test, Don’t Guess

How do you know if you are high in plastic? Test for phthalates and BPA, that’s how. We offer a urine test that can be done at home, no blood draw, and no doctor’s note. 

Buy your test here that includes a free review with an NHD practitioner. 

If you have these chemicals, we will help come up with a plan to reduce your burden and reduce your risk of heart disease.