Plastics get a bad rap
Results point to alarming health concerns
PLASTICS found in common consumer products such as food packaging and wrappings, toys, medications and even medical devices have been linked to diseases in men including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Adelaide researchers have made the alarming link between potentially harmful chemicals known as phthalates in the plastics and the chronic diseases in men. Researchers from the University of Adeltype aide and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) found that of 1500 South Australian men tested, phthalates were detected in urine samples of 99.6 per cent of those aged 35 and over. Those with higher levels had higher rates of the diseases.
Author Associate Professor Zumin Shi said the reasons were not yet fully understood.
“We found that the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, 2 diabetes and high blood pressure increased among those men with higher total phthalate levels,” Prof Shi said.
“While we still don’t understand the exact reasons why phthalates are independently linked to disease, we do know the chemicals impact on the human endocrine system, which controls hormone release that regulate the body’s growth, metabolism, and sexual development and function.
“In addition to chronic diseases, higher phthalate levels were associated with increased levels of a range of inflammatory biomarkers in the body.”
Age and Western diets are directly associated with higher concentrations of phthalates.
Previous studies have shown that men who ate processed and packaged foods and drank carbonated soft drinks but lower amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables have higher levels of phthalates in their urine.
Prof Shi said that although the studies were conducted in men, the findings were likely to be relevant to women.
“While further research is required, reducing environmental phthalates exposure where possible, along with the adoption of healthier lifestyles, may help to reduce the risk of chronic disease,” she said.