DEHP in Plastics Promotes Inflammation and Arterial Damage Leading to Heart Disease
Millions handle plastic products daily, including food containers, medical tubing, and water bottles. These common items often contain di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a chemical used to enhance plastic flexibility and durability. Regular use of these products directly exposes individuals to DEHP, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. DEHP can be detected in everyday household items and medical equipment, making constant exposure nearly unavoidable without deliberate avoidance strategies.
DEHP readily transfers from plastics into foods, beverages, and through skin contact. When ingested or absorbed through the skin, DEHP quickly enters the bloodstream and accumulates in body tissues. Inside the body, DEHP triggers chronic inflammation—a persistent immune reaction involving continuous activation of immune cells. This persistent inflammatory response produces cytokines, inflammatory proteins that cause direct damage to arterial walls. Macrophages, key immune cells in inflammation, actively respond to this damage by recruiting more immune cells to the injury site.
In response to ongoing arterial inflammation and damage, the body attempts a protective reaction by forming plaques composed of cholesterol, fats, calcium, and cellular debris. This plaque formation initially acts to stabilize the damaged arterial wall and prevent further injury. However, chronic inflammation caused by sustained DEHP exposure continues to stimulate excessive plaque accumulation. Over time, the excessive build-up of plaque narrows arteries, restricting blood flow, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Progressive narrowing and stiffening of arteries significantly raise the risk of severe cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Additionally, DEHP exposure disrupts critical hormonal pathways essential to cardiovascular function. Hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones play a fundamental role in regulating heart rhythm, blood pressure, and artery elasticity. DEHP interferes with the normal functioning of these hormones, disturbing the delicate balance required to maintain optimal cardiovascular health. Hormonal disruption caused by DEHP can lead to irregular heart rhythms, hypertension, and impaired artery function, substantially increasing cardiovascular risk.
Moreover, exposure to DEHP significantly elevates oxidative stress within the body. Oxidative stress occurs due to an imbalance where excessive free radicals—highly unstable molecules—damage healthy cells and tissues. Free radicals generated through DEHP exposure specifically target endothelial cells lining artery walls, crucial cells responsible for regulating blood flow and arterial integrity. Damage to these endothelial cells impairs their normal functions, increases susceptibility to inflammation, and accelerates plaque accumulation. As the endothelial layer becomes increasingly damaged, arteries become narrower and stiffer, raising the likelihood of serious cardiovascular events.
A comprehensive global study by researchers at NYU Langone Health in 2018 measured DEHP exposure levels and their relationship to cardiovascular deaths. The researchers systematically quantified DEHP levels across populations and compared them to cardiovascular death rates, uncovering a clear correlation. DEHP exposure was associated with approximately 356,000 cardiovascular deaths worldwide among adults aged 55–64, representing 13% of cardiovascular mortality in this demographic. Countries with heavy use of DEHP-containing plastics and limited regulatory controls, notably India, China, and Indonesia, experienced disproportionately higher death rates from DEHP-linked cardiovascular disease.
Preventing exposure to DEHP remains the most effective approach to reducing cardiovascular risk. Individuals can actively reduce exposure by choosing products explicitly labeled as phthalate-free, preferring containers made of safer materials such as glass or stainless steel, and supporting clearer product labeling standards. Advocating for stricter regulations on chemicals in consumer products is crucial in reducing public health risks associated with DEHP exposure.
References:
- Hyman S, Acevedo J, Giannarelli C, Trasande L. Phthalate exposure from plastics and cardiovascular disease: global estimates of attributable mortality and years life lost. eBioMedicine. 2025;105730. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.105730.
Further Reading:
- Pizzorno J. Environmental hormone disruption. Explores the health impacts of hormone-disrupting chemicals and their role in cardiovascular diseases.
- Traub M. Polyphenols, preventive medicine, and cardiovascular disease. Reviews polyphenols’ protective effects against cardiovascular diseases related to environmental toxins.
- Cohen J. How toxic chemicals in personal care products can cause harm. Details the cardiovascular disease risks associated with chemicals commonly found in personal care products.
