Plastic has long become an indispensable part of our daily life, penetrating into all areas - from packaging to building materials and personal hygiene items. However, with its boundless presence in our environment, there is one big problem: toxic particles of this material enter the human body, often remaining unnoticed. Studies show that plastic can not only pollute nature, but also be dangerous to health, leading to serious diseases such as cardiovascular disease, even causing premature death.
One of the largest sources of toxic particles that enter the body is phthalates - chemicals that are used in plastic products. DI-2-ethylhexyldelate (DEHP) is one of the most common phthalates, which is the main component of numerous products from cleaning products to household goods we use daily. Although it is difficult to avoid these compounds, their impact on health is becoming more apparent. A recent study published in Lanacet Ebiomedicine has considered the link between phthalates and mortality from cardiovascular disease. As a result, it was found that DEHP has caused more than 356,000 deaths in 2018, which is more than 13% of deaths from cardiovascular disease among people aged 55 to 64 years worldwide.
Plastic contamination is not limited to its visible waste. Phthalates and other chemicals of plastics are decomposed into a microplastic that enters the body through food, water, air and even through the skin. They were found in various biological designs, including organs such as lungs, liver and kidneys. In 2022, a study published in Environment International showed that the microplastic even enters the blood, where it adhered to red blood cells, which could disturb their ability to tolerate oxygen. What makes DEHP and other phthalates particularly dangerous is their ability to cause inflammation of the arteries and disrupt the functioning of the immune system. This creates the ideal conditions for the development of heart attacks and strokes, which are one of the main causes of mortality in the world. Studies also indicate significant geographical inequality in the impact of phthalates on health. The most affected countries with high levels of industrialization and plastic production, such as India, China and Indonesia. According to the data, it was India that led the mortality rating from cardiovascular disease associated with phthalate contamination, with more than 103,000 cases of death.
The effects of plastic pollution are not limited to human health. Plastic that gets into the oceans and seas causes serious damage to marine ecosystems. The Mediterranean absorbs about 570,000 tons of plastic waste annually, making it one of the most polluted marine media. This affects not only the flora and fauna, but also thousands of animal species that can swallow plastic or confuse in it, which leads to their death.
Recognizing the global threat of plastic pollution forces countries to take appropriate measures. As of today, 91 countries and territory have introduced a variety of prohibitions on the use of disposable plastic, which is important, but still insufficient in combating this problem.
