The plastic in your home could literally be putting your heart at risk and here's how to avoid it
"Phthalates contribute to inflammation and systemic inflammation in the coronary arteries, which can accelerate existing disease and lead to acute events, including mortality," said Dr. Leonardo Trasande, who leads NYU Langone's environmental initiatives. Previous research has already associated phthalates with reproductive issues, such as lower testosterone levels in males, as well as with conditions like asthma and obesity. David Andrews from the Environmental Working Group emphasized the importance of the new findings in an email response. Meanwhile, the American Chemistry Council declined to comment directly but pointed to the efforts of its High Phthalates Panel to promote the safe use of certain phthalates. Phthalates are nearly unavoidable — they're present in countless products, from PVC pipes to personal care items. According to the CDC, people are exposed through contaminated air, food, and drinks.
The new study, published in eBioMedicine, examined the impact of Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) exposure across 200 global regions. It found that DEHP exposure contributed to 368,764 deaths worldwide in 2018 among those aged 55-64. Africa accounted for 30% of these deaths, while East Asia and the Middle East together made up another 25%. Lead researcher Sara Hyman noted that this marks the first global estimate of DEHP-related health consequences. A previous U.S.-focused study by Trasande's team suggested that phthalates may contribute to 91,000 to 107,000 premature deaths annually among Americans aged 55 to 64, with estimated economic losses between $40 billion and $47 billion each year. How to Reduce Your Exposure to Phthalates: Avoid plastic containers, especially when microwaving or washing them in dishwashers.
Choose unscented lotions and laundry detergents.
Use cleaning products without added fragrances.
Store food in glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wooden containers.
Opt for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables instead of canned goods.
Wash hands frequently to remove chemical residues.
Avoid air fresheners and plastics labeled with recycling codes No. 3, No. 6, and No. 7.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
20 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Flesh-eating bacteria cases rise in parts of USA. Treatment, symptoms, locations where is it found?
Flesh eating bacteria infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus are sharply increasing along the Gulf Coast, with multiple deaths reported in states like Louisiana and Florida. Warmer ocean temperatures and increased flooding are fueling a spike in infections, with multiple deaths reported across Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama. The bacteria can infect through open wounds or raw seafood. Health experts are urging the public to take precautions during peak coastal and seafood season. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What is Vibrio Vulnificus? Why are cases increasing? Who is most at risk? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Real-life cases highlight danger How to stay safe? FAQs Emergency alerts have gone out along the Gulf Coast as Vibrio vulnificus , a dangerous flesh eating bacterium, has made an alarming comeback this summer. Health officials in Louisiana, Florida , Mississippi, and Alabama are reporting a sharp rise in infections including multiple deaths far exceeding historical link the rise in cases to rising sea temperatures and flooding, making the bacterial threat more common and widespread. Authorities are urging beachgoers and seafood consumers alike to take precautions during peak summer vulnificus is a bacterium naturally found in warm, brackish waters. It can enter the body through open wounds exposed to seawater or by consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters. Once inside the body, it can cause necrotizing fasciitis , a flesh eating infection that spreads rapidly, sometimes requiring amputation or resulting in point to rising ocean temperatures and more frequent flooding as key drivers. Warmer waters help the bacteria thrive and spread farther north than in previous years. With climate change accelerating, the risk window for exposure continues to expand. 'These infections aren't just happening during hurricanes anymore,' said one health official. 'They're becoming a seasonal concern.'While anyone can contract Vibrio vulnificus, people with weakened immune systems, liver disease, or diabetes face the highest risk. According to the CDC, the infection has a mortality rate of up to 50% in vulnerable individuals if not treated North Carolina, a man was hospitalized in critical condition after a minor cut from fishing became infected. In Florida, several tourists have been affected in beach destinations, prompting local warnings and temporary shellfish harvest authorities advise the public to: Avoid seawater if you have open wounds, Wear protective footwear in coastal areas, Fully cook shellfish, especially oysters, Seek immediate medical help for infected cuts or sudden skin changes after water still rare, Vibrio vulnificus infections are increasing in both frequency and geographic range. The CDC estimates about 100 serious cases annually, with roughly 30 deaths numbers that could rise if warming trends continue. As climate change alters coastal ecosystems, experts urge greater public awareness and swift medical intervention to prevent life threatening outcomes.A1. Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium found in warm, brackish coastal waters. It can cause severe infections when it enters the body through open wounds or raw seafood.A2. Swimming is generally safe, but people with open wounds should avoid contact with seawater. Wearing protective footwear can also help prevent cuts and scrapes.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Why are experts warning against Benadryl, the common cough syrup?
Benadryl, a medicine many households have relied on for decades, is now under serious scrutiny from health experts. Known for treating allergies, cough, cold, and even used as a sleep aid, Benadryl (which contains the drug diphenhydramine) is being called outdated and potentially risky. A new review published in February 2025 by allergy experts from Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, San Diego, is urging for the drug to be pulled from over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription markets in the U.S. due to its side effects and availability of safer alternatives. Here's why medical professionals are now advising people to think twice before reaching for this common medication. Outdated and risky, say experts Diphenhydramine was approved back in 1946 as a first-generation antihistamine. While it does help manage allergy symptoms like sneezing and itching, experts argue it affects more than just the allergy-related parts of the brain. It can also cause sedation, dizziness, confusion, and even dangerous heart issues. According to the review, Benadryl poses more harm than newer antihistamines, especially for young children and older adults. The drug can stay in the body for up to 18 hours in seniors, leading to ongoing drowsiness and increased risk of falls. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo In children, misuse can cause agitation, extreme sedation, or even coma and death in rare cases. Not the best choice for allergic reactions Despite its popularity, some doctors say Benadryl isn't the best option during severe allergic reactions. Dr. Anna Wolfson, an allergist at Massachusetts General Hospital, told CNN, 'If someone has an allergic reaction to a food, people will say, 'Don't worry, I have diphenhydramine in my purse,' and I would say, 'Really, epinephrine is the first-line treatment for food allergies.'' Benadryl affects acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved in memory and learning. A 2015 study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that those who used drugs that block acetylcholine, like Benadryl, had a 54% higher risk of dementia and a 63% greater chance of developing Alzheimer's. The World Allergy Organization Journal also linked diphenhydramine to poor academic outcomes, citing major declines in attention, memory, and processing speed. Not safe for children Doctors are also raising concerns about how diphenhydramine is being used in children. Dr. Alyssa Kuban, a pediatrician and associate medical director at Texas Children's Pediatrics, told CNN: 'I see some families use diphenhydramine when the child has a cold or upper respiratory infection, thinking it will help with the congestion and help them to sleep better at night. This is not effective for cold symptoms, nor is it very safe. ' Source: Getty Images Experts say that loratadine and cetirizine are safer for children over 6 months, while saline drops and suction are better for infants. Experts also pointed to social media risks. The drug was involved in dangerous viral trends like the "Benadryl Challenge," which led to child hospitalizations and even fatalities. What should you do? Although Benadryl is found in over 300 products and still widely used, experts are clear: safer alternatives exist. Second-generation antihistamines like cetirizine and loratadine offer similar relief with fewer side effects and longer-lasting results. These newer medications don't cause the same level of sedation or cognitive impairment. The authors of the February 2024 review concluded: 'In the past, it has been a useful medication that has helped millions of patients; however, its current therapeutic ratio is matched or exceeded by second-generation antihistamines, especially due to their markedly reduced adverse reactions. It is time to say a final goodbye to diphenhydramine, a public health hazard.'
News18
3 hours ago
- News18
WHO calls for research scale-up towards ending TB in South-East Asia region
New Delhi, Aug 5 (PTI) The WHO on Tuesday called for urgent scale-up of research, innovation and collaboration to accelerate momentum towards ending tuberculosis in the South-East Asia region, which continues to bear nearly half of the global TB burden, accounting for the highest share of cases and deaths worldwide. Experts, national TB programme managers and researchers along with partners and members of civil society began a three-day virtual workshop organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) for advancing research and innovation to accelerate momentum towards ending TB in the WHO South-East Asia region. 'In our Region alone, nearly 5 million people developed TB and close to 600,000 died from the disease in 2023," said Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Region. Calling for urgent action, she said that achieving the ambitious targets in the WHO End TB Strategy requires collaboration to accelerate research and innovation. It requires the adoption and use of new tools, technologies and drugs. Ensuring timely and equitable access to these innovations remains critical to achieving impacts at scale, leaving no one behind, Boehme said. While the region recorded a significant increase in TB case notifications in 2023, signalling recovery after COVID-19-related setbacks, progress remains insufficient to meet the End TB Strategy targets aligned with the sustainable development goals that call for a 90 per cent reduction in TB deaths and an 80 per cent reduction in incidence by 2030 compared to 2015 levels. Post-COVID-19 pandemic, TB once again reemerged as the world's leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, the WHO said in a statement. It places a disproportionate burden on the poorest and most vulnerable, further exacerbating inequalities. In the South-East Asia region, 30 per cent to 80 per cent of the TB-affected households experience catastrophic costs, underscoring the need for equitable, people-centred approaches and strengthening social protection for the affected, the statement said. Despite these challenges, the WHO South-East Asia region made notable progress. In 2023, 3.8 million new and relapse TB cases were notified, with an 89 per cent treatment success rate for those who began treatment in 2022. Missed cases dropped to 22 per cent in 2023, down from 44 per cent in 2020, the statement said. Backed by strong political commitment, countries in the region are increasingly leveraging new approaches such as artificial intelligence for case detection, computer-aided diagnostics, digital adherence tools and direct benefit transfers for patients, streamlining the social support process. At the same time, several countries are undertaking important research, including epidemiological research to assess the disease burden, the statement said. Bangladesh recently completed a patient cost survey, while findings from India's RATIONS study on the impact of nutrition on TB outcomes and incidence of the disease have contributed to the global guidance. Social and community-based innovations are also playing a vital role. Nepal's TB-Free Pallika initiative and multisectoral coordination mechanisms in Myanmar are helping reach vulnerable populations with person-centred care. A review by the WHO South-East Asia found that member states published over 3,000 TB-related research articles in the past six years, with 60 per cent being original research. However, uptake of research outcomes remains uneven due to knowledge gaps and limited platforms for knowledge exchange and collaborative use, the statement said. 'Our progress is uneven. Research and innovation capacity is varied across the Region, and the results of these efforts are often siloed and unavailable for collaborative use. The rise in drug-resistant forms of TB remains very concerning," said Dr Boehme. The key areas of focus during the virtual consultation include strengthening of South-South collaboration, vaccine preparedness, digital tools for patient care and adherence and efforts to overcome vaccine hesitancy. Participants will also discuss aligning regulatory processes, promoting data sharing and improving platforms for knowledge exchange. A significant emphasis is being placed on identifying operational implementation research priorities, especially in relation to social determinants such as undernutrition and climate change, which influence TB incidence and outcomes. top videos View all 'Several ongoing innovations are attempting to reach out to marginalized and vulnerable groups through active case finding and providing affected families socio-economic support to mitigate catastrophic costs", said Dr Boehme. Highlighting the importance of equity, she added, 'It is incumbent to ensure equitable access to the benefits of research and innovation, including vaccines, medicines and diagnostics." PTI PLB KSS KSS (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: August 05, 2025, 19:30 IST News agency-feeds WHO calls for research scale-up towards ending TB in South-East Asia region Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
