A recent study has found a link between exposure to a common chemical in household plastics called phthalate and heart disease deaths. The study, published in eBioMedicine, estimated that over 350,000 excess deaths worldwide in 2018 were associated with exposure to di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), a type of phthalate. The researchers suggest that the growing plastics industry in certain regions may contribute to the disparity in DEHP exposure and heart disease deaths.
Forecast for 6 months: Governments and health organizations will start to take notice of the link between phthalates and heart disease, leading to increased awareness and calls for stricter regulations on plastic use.
Forecast for 1 year: Several countries will implement policies to reduce phthalate exposure, such as banning the use of DEHP in certain products or implementing recycling programs to minimize plastic waste.
Forecast for 5 years: The global plastics industry will begin to shift towards more sustainable and phthalate-free alternatives, leading to a significant reduction in phthalate exposure and related health issues.
Forecast for 10 years: The world will see a significant decrease in plastic waste and a corresponding reduction in phthalate exposure, leading to a decrease in heart disease deaths and other related health issues.
