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Phthalates in toys, shampoo, makeup linked to early deaths in US

A new study has found that the chemical phthalates used commonly in various industries have been causing early deaths in the United States. 

A new study has found that the chemical phthalates used commonly in various industries have been causing early deaths in the United States. 

According to the study published on Tuesday in Environmental Pollution, Phthalates, also known as plasticizers, may contribute to some 91,000 to 107,000 premature deaths a year among people ages 55 to 64 in the United States.  

The lead author of the study, Dr. Leonardo Trasande, said the research confirmed earlier studies showing Phthalates exposure led to a range of health problems.

Trasande, who is a professor of pediatrics, environmental medicine, and population health at NYU Langone Health in New York City, said industries needed to stop or at least reduce the use of the hazardous man-made chemicals found in hundreds of consumer products, including food storage containers, shampoo, makeup, perfume, and children's toys. "This study adds to the growing database on the impact of plastics on the human body and bolsters public health and business cases for reducing or eliminating the use of plastics."

Several earlier studies had shown that Phthalates exposure was linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, and cancer.

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health, phthalates can interfere with important hormone function, affecting the immune and reproductive systems, as well as the brain and liver, and other organs.

People are exposed to phthalates almost everywhere because they are added to most consumer products.

Exposures commonly come from breathing contaminated air or eating or drinking foods that came into contact with the plastic, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


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