Phthalates are found in the body of almost 100% of the population. And they expose to several diseases.
We knew their impact on the risk of developing cancer and on reproduction. Some of them are endocrine disruptors. But these are not the only risks associated with phthalates. The exposure would expose, in addition, to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases or arterial hypertension, but also of type 2 diabetes. And this, at least in men.
This is the conclusion of a study carried out by researchers from the University of Adelaide (Australia). They analyzed the levels of phthalates in the urine of 1,500 men aged 39 to 84, which they compared to the diseases they developed.
A risk almost doubled
If no link has been established with asthma or depression, the results are on the other hand much more worrying for the other diseases tested, in particular by the extent of the observed differences. Thus, the 25% of people most exposed have a 78% increased risk for cardiovascular disease compared to the 25% least exposed. The figure even rises to 84% for type 2 diabetes. That is to say a risk almost doubled.
For hypertension, it is a little less spectacular, but not negligible: the risk is 14% higher. “And in addition to chronic disease, a variety of markers of inflammation in the body are also associated with phthalate levels,” said Prof Zumin Shi, an epidemiologist at the University of Adelaide, and lead author of the study.
Endocrine disruptor
And, by adjusting the statistics to eliminate the impact of obesity, socio-economic factors, smoking and alcohol consumption, the risk association with phthalates remains.
An impact that researchers cannot yet explain with certainty. “While we don’t yet understand the exact reasons phthalates are linked to these diseases, we do know that the chemicals impact the endocrine system, which controls the release of hormones and regulates growth, metabolism, and sexual development and function, ”adds Professor Shi.
All exposed
The news is worrying, especially since these chemicals were found in 99.6% of the urine of study participants. Not so surprising, since they are found everywhere in everyday objects, via plastics.
Phthalates are commonly used as plasticizers, to ensure the rigidity or flexibility of materials, or as a fixer in cosmetic products. They are thus found in plastic objects, in packaging, in paints and varnishes, even for nails.
Low risk?
We are therefore continually exposed to it, whether through inhalation in a car interior (from plastics) or in a kitchen with vinyl floors, in packaged food, and even in drugs and sex toys.
Conscious for a long time of the health problems that these products can promote, the public authorities have already reacted by strongly regulating their use, and by banning certain types of phthalates responsible for example of fertility disorders.
But for these products, the exposure is so important and multiple that the low but continuous exposure continues to worry. The Australian researchers’ result is valid for men, but there is no evidence that it will not hold true for women as well.
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