Oct 18, 2021 06:00:00

100,000 people die annually in the United States because of the chemicals used in packaging

Phthalate esters , which soften plastics, are commonly used in a wide range of products such as food packaging, toys, vinyl floors, adhesives, detergents, lubricants and hairsprays. However, it has been pointed out that phthalates may cause hormonal action on the living body or, conversely, inhibit hormonal action, and in recent years, the movement to regulate the use of phthalates has been strengthened in the United States and Canada. A new study has shown a relationship between such phthalates and death from heart disease.

Phthalates and electrically mortality: A population-based longitudinal cohort study and cost analysis --ScienceDirect
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749121016031

Chemicals used in packaging may play role in 100,000 US deaths a year – study | US news | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/oct/14/phthalates-deaths-older-americans-study-chemicals

Leonardo Trasande and his team at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine analyzed 5,300 people between the ages of 55 and 64 who participated in a large study called the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2001 and 2010. I did. The survey results included the results of urinalysis along with the questionnaire responses obtained from the interview.

The researchers say the analysis found that people with high levels of phthalates in their urine were more likely to die of heart disease. 'Phthalate may cause 91,000 to 107,000 premature deaths in the United States each year,' said the research team. 'Pthalate may kill $ 40-47 billion annually (about 4 trillion). There is a possibility that an economic loss of 600 billion to 5.4 trillion yen) has occurred. '

'It has been understood that phthalates are associated with heart disease, and that heart disease is the leading cause of death,' said Trasande. It has not been shown to be related to death. '

In the United States, the use of the three phthalates in toys is restricted, but the use of these phthalates in cosmetics and packaging materials is not very restricted. In Japan, in principle, it is prohibited to use it in packaging containers that come into contact with foods containing fats and oils and fats, as well as toys and childcare products (PDF file) .

Although this research paper has been peer -reviewed, it should be noted that the biological relationship between phthalates and premature death is not clear, and that phthalates have not been proven to be the direct cause of premature death. Is required.

With that in mind, Trasande said, 'This study shows that phthalates have a greater impact on our society than initially thought. Limiting exposure to toxic phthalates. It is clear that will help protect the physical and financial well-being of Americans, 'he said, arguing for the need for phthalate regulation.