Latest news with #DEHP
The Hindu
29-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Endocrine disruptors in plastic waste: a new public health threat
Plastics have revolutionised modern living with their convenience and affordability, but this same ubiquity is spawning an invisible, long-term health crisis. Beyond choking oceans and clogging landfills, plastics are now infiltrating our bodies through microplastic particles and a cocktail of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The evidence is clear and deeply concerning: these substances are interfering with our hormonal systems, damaging reproductive health and increasing our susceptibility to chronic diseases, including cancer. India, now the world's largest generator of plastic waste, stands at the epicenter of this escalating public health emergency. Microplastics in the human body: from the environment to the bloodstream Once considered inert pollutants, microplastics—plastic particles smaller than 5 mm—are now recognised as biologically active. A 2022 study by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam detected microplastics in the blood of 80% of human participants. Further, a 2024 study published in Nature Scientific Reports reported the presence of microplastics in nearly 89% of blood samples in India, with an average concentration of 4.2 particles per milliliter. These particles have also been found in human lungs, hearts, placentas, breast milk, ovarian follicular fluid, and semen. Alarmingly, testicular tissue in Indian men was found to contain three times more microplastics than that in dogs. The plastics in our lives are not chemically neutral. They often contain EDCs such as: Bisphenol A (BPA) and BPS: Used in water bottles, food containers, and thermal paper. - Phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DBP): Used to soften plastics and found in cosmetics, toys and IV tubing. - PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): Found in food packaging and non-stick cookware. These chemicals mimic or block natural hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol. They interfere with receptor binding, disrupt gene expression in reproductive organs, and induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis (cell death). Animal studies published in Food and Chemical Toxicology (2023) showed that even low doses of polystyrene microplastics (20 μg/L) disrupted testosterone levels, impaired sperm production, and damaged the blood-testis barrier. Similar effects were observed in ovaries, where microplastics reduced anti-Müllerian hormone levels, triggered oxidative stress pathways, and induced cell death. Growing fertility crisis and other health risks Recent clinical studies from China and India have linked the presence of microplastics in semen to reduced sperm count, concentration and motility. Exposure to BPA and phthalates has been associated with lower testosterone levels and elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) levels—both indicators of endocrine disruption. A global review published in Science of the Total Environment further supports the connection between microplastics and male subfertility. Notably, a 2023 study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters reported a strong correlation between microplastic levels in semen and decreased sperm count, motility, and abnormal morphology in Chinese men. In India, studies have documented a 30% decline in average sperm count over the past two decades. A study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety (2025) found microplastics in 14 out of 18 follicular fluid samples collected from women undergoing fertility treatment in Italy. These particles, along with their associated endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), were found to compromise egg quality and were linked to menstrual irregularities, reduced estradiol levels, and an increased risk of miscarriage. Epidemiological studies have also linked exposure to phthalates and BPA with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and spontaneous abortions. These associations have been further supported by findings published in Advances in Pharmacology (2021) and Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (2023). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) now classifies several plastic additives as probable human carcinogens. Case-control studies from India have shown that women with elevated levels of DEHP in their urine face nearly a threefold increased risk of breast cancer (odds ratio = 2.97). Exposure to BPA and phthalates has also been linked to higher incidences of prostate, uterine, and testicular cancers. In addition to their carcinogenic potential, these endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been implicated in metabolic disorders. By mimicking cortisol, altering insulin sensitivity, and promoting fat storage, EDCs contribute to the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, PFAS exposure has been associated with metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and thyroid dysfunction, as reported in a 2024 study published in Frontiers in Public Health. India: a nation in the crosshairs India generates over 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. Of this, approximately 5.8 million tonnes are incinerated, releasing toxic gases, while 3.5 million tonnes end up polluting the environment. Studies have shown that residents in cities like Mumbai are exposed to between 382 and 2,012 microplastic particles daily through air, food, and water. In Nagpur, doctors are reporting an increase in cases of early puberty, respiratory problems, obesity, and learning disorders in children—conditions increasingly linked to plastic pollution. Recent testing by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) detected phthalate concentrations in drinking water samples from Delhi, Jabalpur, and Chennai that exceeded European Union safety limits. Despite progressive policies like the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, updated in 2022 and 2024), enforcement remains inconsistent. Current regulations do not account for low-dose effects or the complex interactions of EDCs, nor do they address the specific vulnerabilities of children and pregnant women. Economic costs of inaction and way forward The health burden associated with EDCs in India is staggering, costing over ₹25,000 crore annually due to increased healthcare spending and lost productivity. The poorest populations, often living near waste dumps or working in the informal recycling sector, bear the brunt of this crisis. Globally, the U.S. reports healthcare costs of $250 billion annually linked to plastic-related chemicals, according to the Endocrine Society. Biomonitoring and surveillance are crucial for establishing national programmess that measure endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) levels in blood, urine, and breast milk. Longitudinal studies must be funded to assess the health impacts of EDC exposure on fertility, neurodevelopment, and chronic diseases. In addition, public awareness needs to be improved, and behaviour changes should be encouraged, such as educating people on the risks of microwaving food in plastic containers and promoting the use of glass, stainless steel, and EDC-free alternatives. It is also important to advocate for antioxidant-rich diets to help counteract oxidative stress. Further actions should include enforcing plastic segregation, recycling, and safe disposal, while investing in microplastic filtration systems for water treatment plants. Additionally, incentivising the development of biodegradable, non-toxic materials is essential to reduce EDC exposure. Plastic pollution is no longer a distant environmental concern; it is a biological invasion with profound implications for human health. The infiltration of microplastics and plastic-derived EDCs into our bodies is triggering hormonal disruption, reproductive dysfunction and chronic diseases. The science is undeniable, and the time for action is now. For India, the world's most exposed population, this is more than a policy issue—it is a generational imperative. We must address this silent epidemic through science-driven regulation, robust monitoring, public education, and systemic change. The health of our people, especially our children, depends on it. ( Dr. Sudheer Kumar Shukla is an environmental scientist and sustainability expert with over 20 years of experience in environmental policy, waste management and the circular economy. He currently serves as Head-Think Tank at Mobius Foundation, New Delhi. Email : sshukla@ )
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
SF SoMA sex shop sued for allegedly selling ‘toxic' mouth gags
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A decades-old sex shop in San Francisco's SoMa (South of Market) neighborhood is being sued for allegedly selling mouth gags laced with toxic chemicals without a clear warning label. A civil case filed on Friday, June 6 by Seven Hills LLP on behalf of Blue Sky Forever says that Mr. S. Leather Co., Incorporated violated a health and safety code for not letting customers know about the dangers of a product called 'The Jaw Master Gag' and the 'harms caused by exposures to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate ('DEHP'), a toxic chemical found in and on gags manufactured, imported, distributed, sold, and offered for sale.' See court document hereDownload Mr. S Leather is located at 385 8th St. and has been in business since 1979. 'Detectable levels of DEHP are found in and on the gags Defendants manufacture, import, sell and distribute for sale in California,' the suit adds, saying that exposures to DEHP can cause birth defects and other reproductive issues. On its website, Mr. S. Leather states, 'We've been designing and producing exceptional bondage gear as well as leather, neoprene & sports clothing for kinky guys since 1979…When you're ready for the good stuff – Mr. S Leather is a place you'll want to check out.' The court document says the case is actionable, thanks to Proposition 65, and that Mr. S. Leather could face civil penalties of up to $2,500 per day for each violation. 'On October 24, 2003, pursuant to Proposition 65 implementing regulations, the State of California listed DEHP as a chemical known to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm,' says the suit. 'DEHP became subject to the 'clear and reasonable warning' requirements one year later, on October 24, 2004.' KRON4 reached out to Mr. S. Leather before the publication of this article and will update this story with a provided statement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Increased Toxicity Risk Identified For Children With ADHD, Autism
The number of people being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has risen sharply in recent decades, and research continues to look at factors involved in these conditions. A study published in 2023 revealed there's a difference in how children with autism or ADHD clear the common plastic compound bisphenol A (BPA), compared to neurotypical children. BPA is used in a lot of plastics and plastic production processes, and can also be found inside food and drink cans. However, previous research has also linked it to health issues involving hormone disruption, including breast cancer and infertility. Researchers from Rowan University and Rutgers University in the US looked at three groups of children: 66 with autism, 46 with ADHD, and 37 neurotypical kids. In particular, they analyzed the process of glucuronidation, a chemical process the body uses to clear out toxins within the blood through urine. They found that kids with ASD and ADHD couldn't clear out BPA and another similar compound called diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) with as much efficiency as other kids, potentially leading to longer exposure to their toxic effects. "Detoxification of these two plasticizers is compromised in children with ASD and ADHD," wrote the researchers in their published paper. "Consequently, their tissues are more exposed to these two plasticizers." It was only in the case of BPA that the difference was statistically significant though: the efficiency was reduced by about 11 percent for kids with ASD and 17 percent for kids with ADHD, compared with the control group of children. The researchers think that gene mutations in certain individuals mean that BPA can't be cleared as well as it needs to be, which means the substance sticks around in the body. That potentially could cause damage in terms of neuron development and operation. Conditions like ASD and ADHD are thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental influences, and this new study brings together both of them. However, it's only part of the story – not every child with a neurodevelopmental disorder had problems flushing out BPA, so there are other factors at play, too. Work is continuing to identify how exactly ASD and ADHD develop in people – whether it's in utero before birth for example, or later on in life – as the data isn't enough to show whether BPA exposure causes either disorder. "There is an extensive body of epidemiological evidence for a relationship between neurodevelopmental disorders and environmental pollutants such as plasticizers," the researchers wrote. "How important plasticizer originated neurodevelopmental disorder is in the overall occurrence of these disorders is not known, but it must account for a significant proportion or would not have been so easy to detect in a metabolic study of moderate size such as this study." The research was published in PLOS ONE. A version of this article was first published in October 2023. Coffee Could Be The Secret to Healthy Aging For Women, Scientists Discover Texas Woman Dies From Brain-Eating Amoeba After Flushing Sinuses Menopause Drug Reduces Breast Cancer Growth In Clinical Trial
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
These 7 Everyday Household Items Could Increase Your Risk Of Health Issues, Including Heart Disease
A new study suggests hundreds of thousands of deaths globally are linked to a certain phthalate chemical exposure (DEHP) in plastics. Specifically, they've been linked to cardiovascular-related deaths. DEHP is a type of phthalate, that is commonly added to plastics to make them more flexible. Here are some products where you might find them at home. Research has consistently shown that we should be wary of plastics—and that also goes for the chemicals used to make them, like phthalates. And while it's nearly impossible to fully avoid plastics in your day-to-day, a new study suggests you might want to try a little harder to limit how much you interact with the material, because it has been linked with serious heart issues. The study, which was published in the journal eBioMedicine, linked a specific type of phthalate called di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) to cardiovascular-related deaths. Phthalates have been associated with a slew of other serious health complications, including endocrine disruption and fertility issues, by the way. Here's what the latest study found, plus what doctors recommend doing with this info. Meet the experts: Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University. Yu-Ming Ni, MD, cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA. Yanting Wang, MD, cardiologist and assistant professor of medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. For the study, researchers analyzed data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a global health research center, along with estimates of regional DEHP exposure. The researchers found that, in 2018, an estimated 356,238 deaths globally were linked to DEHP exposure. Those made up nearly 13.5 percent of all cardiovascular deaths in people between the ages of 55 and 64. Of those, 349,113 were linked to people using plastics. People in some areas of the world that have booming plastic industries saw more of an association than others. 'The findings underscore the need for urgent global and local regulatory interventions to [curb] mortality from DEHP exposure,' the researchers wrote in the conclusion. DEHP is a type of phthalate, and it's commonly added to plastics to make them more flexible, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). DEHP is a colorless liquid that is especially prevalent in vinyl materials, which may contain up to 40 percent DEHP, per the CDC. DEHP can also be found in a bunch of common goods you interact with regularly, including certain types of flooring, wall coverings, and even your shoes. It's important to note that the study is observational, meaning it didn't find that exposure to phthalates actually caused these cardiovascular deaths. Instead, it just found a link. 'There may be unknown factors that can explain this rise in death related to phthalates,' says Yu-Ming Ni, MD, cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. Still, it's entirely possible that phthalate exposure may raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and death, says Cheng-Han Chen, MD, cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA. 'Previous studies have linked phthalates found in plastic to increased inflammation in the bloodstream as well as cardiometabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity,' he points out. 'These problems could then lead to increased morbidity and mortality from heart disease.' However, Dr. Ni stresses that more research is needed. Some exposure to plastics, phthalates, and DEHP is bound to happen in the world we live in. "As with many chemicals that we are exposed to long-term, it's likely that the totally cumulative exposure over a lifetime is important," says Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University. So, she recommends doing that you can to limit your exposure. Experts singled out seven specific items that you should probably try to avoid, if you can: Plastic water bottles. Dr. Ni recommends focusing on reusable containers for liquids, like metal or ceramic water bottles. Certain shampoos. "If you find a phthalate-free shampoo that is affordable and that works, that can decrease exposure," Alan says. Plastic cookware. Putting plastic cookware, like plastic spatulas, in hot items raises the risk that phthalates will end up in your food, per Dr. Ni. Plastic utensils. Putting these products directly into your mouth raises your risk of exposure, Dr. Ni explains. Takeout containers. These are often made with plastic that can leach into your food, per Dr. Ni. Plastic food storage containers. Like plastic takeout containers, these can also result in phthalate exposure for your food, especially if you heat them up, Alan says. Other personal care products. Phthalates show up in a range of personal care products, making it important to look for products like soaps and hairspray without the chemicals, Alan says. (Labels will typically say "phthalate-free.") Of course, this stuff is everywhere, making it hard to avoid entirely. "My best advice is to reduce exposure where it makes sense," Alan says. It's also important to try to cut back on how many plastic products you buy. "Based on the available evidence, it is important we strive to limit the amount of plastic produced and ensure proper disposal for both environmental and biological health," says Yanting Wang, MD, cardiologist and assistant professor of medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Doctor says three toxic household items 'must be thrown away immediately'
A gastroenterologist, Dr Saurabh Sethi, has highlighted the three home items that he claims are the most noxious and insists they should be immediately discarded for health concerns. Topping his list are scented candles. He remarked: "These contain phthalates, which are known to disrupt hormone levels,and cause respiratory issues." Choosing unscented or natural options is better, according to Dr Sethi, who recommends: "Opt for unscented or natural candles made from soy or beeswax." His warning extends to plastic cutting boards too; he asserts: "These can degrade over time, releasing microplastics into your food, which can accumulate in the body. Switch to a wooden one to minimise risk." Lastly, Dr Sethi warns against scratched or damaged non-stick pans, stating: "These contain PFAs, which have been linked to high blood pressure, cholesterol and reproductive issues", reports the Mirror. He advises: "Damaged pans can release these particles into your food. So make sure to either replace these pans as soon as they are scratched or chipped. Or replace those with safer alternatives, such as stainless steel or cast iron." For context, phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) are chemical compounds often added to plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to enhance their flexibility, strength, and longevity. Frequently called plasticizers, they are common not only in plastics but also in personal care products, household goods, medical instruments, and food packaging. Phthalates, known as endocrine disruptors, can meddle with the body's hormone systems. They have the potential to mimic or block hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, leading to: Inhaling them (like from scented products) may result in: Animal studies suggest some phthalates may encourage tumour development. Some health agencies classify DEHP as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Microplastics are minuscule plastic particles often invisible to the naked eye - and they are considered harmful for both environmental and human health reasons. Microplastics can transport toxic chemicals, either from the plastic itself or absorbed from the environment. These include: These chemicals may interfere with: PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - a large group of human-made chemicals (over 10,000 types) used since the 1940s to make products resistant to water, oil, heat, and stains. PFAS, often dubbed "forever chemicals" due to their persistent nature in the environment and human body, are commonly found in a plethora of household items and materials. These forever chemicals make their way into numerous products we encounter daily, such as: Research has highlighted worrying health implications associated with PFAs exposure:
