Recent studies Everyday plastics often cause chronic diseases

Physicians are studying the effects of phthalates on men
Certain chemicals that can be found in everyday plastic materials seem to pose a particular threat to the health of men. These chemicals known as phthalates are associated with increased cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure in men.

Scientists at the University of Adelaide and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) investigated the relationships between chronic diseases in males and concentrations of potentially harmful chemicals. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Environmental Research".

Physicians have now found that so-called phthalates in men increase the likelihood of various diseases. These dangerous chemicals are found in many everyday items. (Image: Kzenon / fotolia.com)

99.6 percent of subjects' urine samples contained phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals found in many everyday consumer goods such as food packaging, toys, medicines and even medical devices, the researchers explain. For their study, the researchers studied 1,500 South African men. In the urine samples of 99.6 percent of participants aged 35 and over, the phthalates could be detected.

Prevalence of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes greatly increased by phthalates
We've found that the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure in men with higher phthalate levels is massively increased, said author Professor Zumin Shi of Adelaide Medical School in a press release. We still do not understand the exact reasons why the increased concentration of phthalates is linked to the onset of disease. But we know the effects of chemicals on the human endocrine system, the expert says.

What is the endocrine system?
This system controls the release of hormones that regulate, for example, the growth of the body, metabolism and sexual development. In addition to an increase in chronic diseases, higher phthalate levels have been linked to elevated levels of a number of inflammatory biomarkers in the body, adds Professor Zumin Shi.

Men should eat more fresh fruits and vegetables
The age and western type of diet are directly associated with higher levels of phthalates. Previous studies have also shown that men who consume less fresh fruit and vegetables and consume more processed or packaged foods will have elevated levels of phthalates in their urine, the expert explains.

Many of the subjects were overweight or obese
Eighty-two percent of the men studied in the study were overweight or obese. This is an important factor because the weight problems have been previously associated with chronic diseases, say the scientists. However, the researchers point out that obesity did not significantly alter the significant association between high phthalate levels and certain diseases in the current study.

Results are also likely to be relevant to women
In addition, the findings were adjusted to socio-economic factors and lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, the study authors report. Nevertheless, the association between high levels of phthalates and the onset of disease remained unchanged. Although the studies were conducted on men, they are probably also relevant to women, adds author Shi.

Further research is needed
Further research is needed to assess the risk of phthalate exposure and, in addition, a healthier lifestyle may help prevent the onset of chronic disease, study author Shi explains. (As)