An analysis published in the Lancet eBioMedicine estimates that daily exposure to phthalates, particularly di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), contributed to over 356,000 cardiovascular-related deaths globally in 2018, predominantly affecting regions in the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia. While the study links DEHP exposure to increased heart disease mortality, it relies on statistical modeling and prior research, raising concerns about biases and the need for further long-term studies to establish causation. The findings align with earlier research indicating phthalates’ role in thousands of premature deaths among older Americans due to heart conditions.
