New research has shed light on the health risks associated with exposure to chemicals released from plastic products. According to the analysis, millions of cases of cardiovascular disease and serious cognitive impacts are linked to these exposures
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There would be hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of cases of coronary heart disease and stroke that could be linked to the chemicals found in common plastic products.
This is stated by research from the University of Maryland which estimated the exposure of around a third of the world’s population to some of these substances and included over 1,700 studies conducted in 38 countries, focusing in particular on three substances which on many occasions are been associated with toxicity to humans.
From the study, published on Pnas, it is clear that there are more than that in plastic 16 thousand chemicalsall with a multiple purpose: to give materials different properties, such as color, flexibility and durability.
The substances under accusation
The numbers are impressive: it is estimated that, in 2015 alone, the Bpa would be associated with 5.4 million cases of coronary heart disease and the Dehp a 164 thousand deaths among people aged 55-64. Furthermore, exposure to PBDEs would have caused the loss of 11.7 million Qi points.
But thanks, the authors of the study point out, to the new regulations introduced in the 2000s, exposure to these substances has decreased, also reducing healthcare costs and deaths. The researchers estimate that, in the United States, stricter regulations have prevented it 515 thousand deaths and saved 42 million Qi points between 2003 and 2015.
So what’s missing? Well, despite the progress, according to researchers the lack of global monitoring systems represents a limit to understanding the phenomenon. Public databases, such as those already active in countries such as the United States and Canada, are essential to accurately assess risks and further improve regulations.
