Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

FDA Approves First At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening Test Kit That Could Replace Pap Smears

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently cleared and approved the at-home test for <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cervical-cancer">cervical cancer</a></span>, possibly revolutionizing the way millions of women handle one of the most important parts of preventive health care. Created by Teal Health, the recently approved self-test device—the Teal Wand—provides an alternative, less painful method than the conventional Pap smear, seeking to make it easier, less stressful, and more accessible for cervical cancer screening.

The product, called the Teal Wand, allows women to collect vaginal swabs themselves at home—providing a potent, less painful alternative to conventional in-clinic Pap smears.

This approval represents a groundbreaking step toward breaking down long-standing barriers to screening for cervical cancer, particularly among women who find pelvic exams unpleasant, inaccessible, or culturally daunting. For them, it could be the bridge they've waited years for to early detection and timely treatment.

Cervical cancer ranks among the most preventable types of cancer owing to the existence of HPV vaccination and routine screening. However, despite increased medical capabilities, screening rates have consistently decreased since the mid-2000s. According to a 2022 study, 23% of women in 2019 were overdue for a cervical cancer screening, which was up from 14% in 2005. Almost half of all women diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society, are not current on their screenings.

This alarming trend is part of the estimated 13,360 new cases of cervical cancer and 4,320 deaths projected for 2025. The intent is for this home test to turn that trend around by reaching women where they're at—literally.

The Teal Wand detects human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer, using a self-collected vaginal swab that detects high-risk strains of the virus—just as a clinician would get a sample with a Pap smear, without the office visit and speculum.

To have access to the test, patients first have to meet with a Teal Health-affiliated provider through telehealth. If they are approved, the test is mailed to their home. After the sample has been taken, it is sent to a laboratory for processing. In case the test comes back positive for high-risk HPV, Teal Health's providers coordinate follow-up diagnostic care through in-office procedures as usual.

The advantages of this home test go beyond convenience—it could shrink the equity chasm in access to health care. According to a recent JAMA Network Open report, rural women are 25% more likely to have cervical cancer and 42% more likely to die from cervical cancer than city women. Disparities frequently are explained as a result of infrequent screening and inadequate availability of gynecologic services.

By facilitating home self-screening, the Teal Wand could assist underserved and rural communities in obtaining vital early diagnoses, possibly saving thousands of lives.

HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that most commonly resolves spontaneously. But some strains are associated with cervical and other cancers. The HPV vaccine, when given prior to sexual activity, is extremely effective in preventing illness from the high-risk strains.

As of a 2025 American Cancer Society report, incidence of cervical cancer in women between the ages of 20 and 24 decreased by 65% from 2012 to 2019 due primarily to early HPV vaccination. However, not all women are sharing in this success. Rates of cervical cancer in women in their 30s and early 40s have started to creep upward once more.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prescribes two doses of the HPV vaccine between preteens aged 11–12, although it can begin as early as age 9. Individuals having the first dose at 15 years and older need a series of three doses. The vaccine is usually prescribed up to age 26 and up to age 45 in special situations depending on personal risk.

Worldwide, cervical cancer continues to be the fourth most frequent female cancer and is responsible for 7.5% of all female cancer deaths, based on the World Health Organization (WHO). In the United States alone, there are about 200,000 women diagnosed with cervical precancer each year and over 11,000 with HPV-related cervical cancer. Unfortunately, more than 4,000 American women die from the disease each year.

Data from an 11-year study in England also supports the efficacy of early HPV vaccination and screening. The program there averted 448 cases of cervical cancer and more than 17,000 cases of precancerous lesions, highlighting the huge promise of proactive, accessible prevention strategies.

Although the Teal Wand now must be prescribed through Teal Health's telehealth platform, the business is continuing to move toward availability through additional healthcare providers. Pricing and insurance coverage are also points of interest. Because cervical cancer screening is supported by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, coverage is also highly anticipated, which would further drive accessibility.

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cervical cancer screening 2025

home pap smear alternative

teal health test kit

fda cervical test approval

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently cleared and approved the at-home test for cervical cancer, possibly revolutionizing the way millions of women handle one of the most important parts of preventive health care. Created by Teal Health, the recently approved self-test device—the Teal Wand—provides an alternative, less painful method than the conventional Pap smear, seeking to make it easier, less stressful, and more accessible for cervical cancer screening.The product, called the Teal Wand, allows women to collect vaginal swabs themselves at home—providing a potent, less painful alternative to conventional in-clinic Pap smears.This approval represents a groundbreaking step toward breaking down long-standing barriers to screening for cervical cancer, particularly among women who find pelvic exams unpleasant, inaccessible, or culturally daunting. For them, it could be the bridge they've waited years for to early detection and timely treatment.Cervical cancer ranks among the most preventable types of cancer owing to the existence of HPV vaccination and routine screening. However, despite increased medical capabilities, screening rates have consistently decreased since the mid-2000s. According to a 2022 study, 23% of women in 2019 were overdue for a cervical cancer screening, which was up from 14% in 2005. Almost half of all women diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society, are not current on their screenings.This alarming trend is part of the estimated 13,360 new cases of cervical cancer and 4,320 deaths projected for 2025. The intent is for this home test to turn that trend around by reaching women where they're at—literally.How the Test Kit Work?The Teal Wand detects human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer, using a self-collected vaginal swab that detects high-risk strains of the virus—just as a clinician would get a sample with a Pap smear, without the office visit and speculum.To have access to the test, patients first have to meet with a Teal Health-affiliated provider through telehealth. If they are approved, the test is mailed to their home. After the sample has been taken, it is sent to a laboratory for processing. In case the test comes back positive for high-risk HPV, Teal Health's providers coordinate follow-up diagnostic care through in-office procedures as usual.The advantages of this home test go beyond convenience—it could shrink the equity chasm in access to health care. According to a recent JAMA Network Open report, rural women are 25% more likely to have cervical cancer and 42% more likely to die from cervical cancer than city women. Disparities frequently are explained as a result of infrequent screening and inadequate availability of gynecologic services.By facilitating home self-screening, the Teal Wand could assist underserved and rural communities in obtaining vital early diagnoses, possibly saving thousands of lives.Role of HPV in Cervical CancerHPV is a sexually transmitted disease that most commonly resolves spontaneously. But some strains are associated with cervical and other cancers. The HPV vaccine, when given prior to sexual activity, is extremely effective in preventing illness from the high-risk strains.As of a 2025 American Cancer Society report, incidence of cervical cancer in women between the ages of 20 and 24 decreased by 65% from 2012 to 2019 due primarily to early HPV vaccination. However, not all women are sharing in this success. Rates of cervical cancer in women in their 30s and early 40s have started to creep upward once more.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prescribes two doses of the HPV vaccine between preteens aged 11–12, although it can begin as early as age 9. Individuals having the first dose at 15 years and older need a series of three doses. The vaccine is usually prescribed up to age 26 and up to age 45 in special situations depending on personal risk.Worldwide, cervical cancer continues to be the fourth most frequent female cancer and is responsible for 7.5% of all female cancer deaths, based on the World Health Organization (WHO). In the United States alone, there are about 200,000 women diagnosed with cervical precancer each year and over 11,000 with HPV-related cervical cancer. Unfortunately, more than 4,000 American women die from the disease each year.Data from an 11-year study in England also supports the efficacy of early HPV vaccination and screening. The program there averted 448 cases of cervical cancer and more than 17,000 cases of precancerous lesions, highlighting the huge promise of proactive, accessible prevention strategies.Although the Teal Wand now must be prescribed through Teal Health's telehealth platform, the business is continuing to move toward availability through additional healthcare providers. Pricing and insurance coverage are also points of interest. Because cervical cancer screening is supported by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, coverage is also highly anticipated, which would further drive accessibility.

fda approves first at-home cervical cancer screening test kit that could replace pap smears

Riya Baibhawi

Influenza Raises Heart Attack Risk By 6X– Here's Another Reason To Get Your Flu Shot

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Longest Covid Infection Reported Lasted 505 Days Nonstop; What Are Persistent Infections?

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California may be heading toward another record year of <span>Valley fever</span> infections, with early 2025 data already showing a troubling increase in reported cases. Health officials have confirmed over 3,100 infections across the state—figures that surpass last year’s numbers for the same period and nearly double those recorded in 2023.

 Valley fever, medically known as coccidioidomycosis, is a serious lung infection caused by the <em>Coccidioides</em> fungus, which thrives in the dry, dusty soils of the western U.S. California, where the disease was first identified, consistently reports the highest number of cases nationwide. If left untreated, the illness can lead to severe, long-term respiratory issues and even death if it spreads to the brain.

 “There is no question that the number of cases is enormously higher than before,” said Dr. Royce Johnson, director of the Valley Fever Institute at Kern Medical. “If you want to see me, you’d have to wait until July, and that goes for my colleagues, too,” he told NBC News, highlighting the growing strain on healthcare systems in affected regions.

 The majority of recent infections have been reported in Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey, and Fresno counties—areas long known as hotspots. But the illness is now expanding its reach. In Contra Costa County, located in the East Bay region, cases have tripled compared to 2023. Nearby Merced and San Bernardino counties are also reporting significant spikes.

 “It appears to be spreading out,” noted Gail Sondermeyer Cooksey, an epidemiologist with the California Department of Public Health.

 Valley fever infections occur when people inhale spores released into the air from soil containing <em>Coccidioides</em>. These spores can be stirred up by wind, construction, and agricultural activities. While anyone can get infected, those most at risk include people over 60, individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, diabetics, and those of Black or Filipino descent. Outdoor workers also face higher exposure.

 Symptoms typically resemble those of the flu and may include fatigue, cough, fever, shortness of breath, and skin rashes. While most recover, about 10 percent develop chronic lung issues, and approximately 1 percent experience dissemination of the infection to the skin, bones, joints, or brain.

 Health experts also point to a concerning link between <strong>climate change</strong> and the disease's rising prevalence. Shifts from prolonged drought to intense rain—common in California’s recent weather patterns—create favorable conditions for the fungus to grow and later release spores as the land dries.

 “As climate change alters the timing and intensity of precipitation in California, we see longer high-risk periods for <em>Coccidioides</em> exposure,” said Simon Camponuri, a PhD researcher at the University of California, Berkeley.

 With forecasts predicting a hot and dry summer following recent floods and mudslides, health officials are bracing for continued spikes in Valley fever cases in the coming months. Public health campaigns are urging increased awareness, especially among vulnerable populations and those living in high-risk regions.

Valley Fever

US Health News

Valley Fever symptoms

How To Identify Valley Fever

California valley fever

California may be heading toward another record year of Valley fever infections, with early 2025 data already showing a troubling increase in reported cases. Health officials have confirmed over 3,100 infections across the state—figures that surpass last year’s numbers for the same period and nearly double those recorded in 2023. Valley fever, medically known as coccidioidomycosis, is a serious lung infection caused by the Coccidioides fungus, which thrives in the dry, dusty soils of the western U.S. California, where the disease was first identified, consistently reports the highest number of cases nationwide. If left untreated, the illness can lead to severe, long-term respiratory issues and even death if it spreads to the brain. “There is no question that the number of cases is enormously higher than before,” said Dr. Royce Johnson, director of the Valley Fever Institute at Kern Medical. “If you want to see me, you’d have to wait until July, and that goes for my colleagues, too,” he told NBC News, highlighting the growing strain on healthcare systems in affected regions. The majority of recent infections have been reported in Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey, and Fresno counties—areas long known as hotspots. But the illness is now expanding its reach. In Contra Costa County, located in the East Bay region, cases have tripled compared to 2023. Nearby Merced and San Bernardino counties are also reporting significant spikes. “It appears to be spreading out,” noted Gail Sondermeyer Cooksey, an epidemiologist with the California Department of Public Health. Valley fever infections occur when people inhale spores released into the air from soil containing Coccidioides. These spores can be stirred up by wind, construction, and agricultural activities. While anyone can get infected, those most at risk include people over 60, individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, diabetics, and those of Black or Filipino descent. Outdoor workers also face higher exposure. Symptoms typically resemble those of the flu and may include fatigue, cough, fever, shortness of breath, and skin rashes. While most recover, about 10 percent develop chronic lung issues, and approximately 1 percent experience dissemination of the infection to the skin, bones, joints, or brain. Health experts also point to a concerning link between climate change and the disease's rising prevalence. Shifts from prolonged drought to intense rain—common in California’s recent weather patterns—create favorable conditions for the fungus to grow and later release spores as the land dries. “As climate change alters the timing and intensity of precipitation in California, we see longer high-risk periods for Coccidioides exposure,” said Simon Camponuri, a PhD researcher at the University of California, Berkeley. With forecasts predicting a hot and dry summer following recent floods and mudslides, health officials are bracing for continued spikes in Valley fever cases in the coming months. Public health campaigns are urging increased awareness, especially among vulnerable populations and those living in high-risk regions.

valley fever cases surge in california-how to identifiy this lung infection

GLP-1 Drugs Fight Fat, Curb Appetite And May Also Reduce Cancer Risk

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What if the one injection that is helping you lose weight and manage diabetes also protect you from <span>cancer</span>? That's the surprising promise emerging from a new study on <span>GLP-1 drugs</span>, drugs already drawing attention for their ability to battle obesity and regulate blood sugar. Now scientists have discovered a potential new advantage: a much reduced risk of cancers related to obesity.

While the global use of GLP-1 agonists such as Saxenda and Byetta is gaining speed, this research unlocks a thrilling new era in preventive care. But just how do such medications function and why could they be protecting us against cancer?

After once being touted as miracle drugs for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications such as Saxenda and Byetta are now uncovering a new benefit: a reduced risk of cancer. New research in the journal eClinicalMedicine identifies that these initial weight-loss medications may have more to their credit than just reducing waistlines—they can cut the risk of developing obesity-linked cancers by a dramatic 41%.

This finding has the potential to change forever the way that we think about the wider ramifications of GLP-1 treatments, particularly in a world where metabolic diseases are closely associated with cancer susceptibility. But why might this new benefit exist? And how do these drugs actually work?

<h2>What Are GLP-1 Drugs and How Do They Work?</h2>

GLP-1 agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are a type of drug that mimics the effect of an endogenous hormone involved in the modulation of appetite, blood glucose levels, and digestion. Initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, they've become very popular due to their capacity to cause weight loss by reducing hunger and slowing gastric emptying.

Drugs such as liraglutide (Saxenda) and exenatide (Byetta) are usually given through subcutaneous injection. Newer forms, including semaglutide (<span>Ozempic</span>) and tirzepatide (Zepbound), have greater efficacy in weight loss and metabolic control, although they were not part of this specific study.

GLP-1 acts via a cascade of hormonal action:

<ul><li>It triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas, lowering blood sugar.</li><li>It inhibits the release of glucagon, a hormone that increases blood sugar.</li><li>It reduces the rate at which the stomach empties following meals.</li></ul>

Perhaps most importantly for managing weight, it sends satiety messages to the brain to make people feel fuller for longer.

<h2>Missing Link Between Cancer Risk and Obesity </h2>

Both type 2 diabetes and obesity are firmly established as risk factors for many forms of cancer, such as breast, colon, uterine, pancreatic, and liver cancer. This can be explained by the chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalance that accompany excess fat stores.

For their new study, scientists from Clalit Health Services in Tel Aviv, Israel, analyzed electronic health records of more than 6,300 adults age 24 and above. Everyone involved had both type 2 diabetes and obesity and received either GLP-1 medication or weight-loss surgery between 2010 and 2018. The group was followed through to December 2023 to record cancer diagnoses.

During a median follow-up of 7.5 years, approximately 300 individuals developed cancer of the obesity type—predominantly breast (26%), colon (16%), and uterus (15%).

Although bariatric surgery has been the obesity treatment gold standard for decades—and was in turn found to lower cancer risk—scientists discovered obesity-associated cancers were equal in both the surgery and GLP-1 groups. This was unexpected because surgery tends to induce greater and more immediate weight loss.

Still, additional statistical examination found that the GLP-1 medications offered a 41% lower risk of cancerous developments than surgery indicated that their anti-cancer benefit might extend beyond weight loss alone.

<h2>Reason Behind the Anti-Cancer Effect</h2>

According to co-lead researcher Dr. Dror Dicker, who heads the Obesity Clinic at Hasharon Hospital-Rabin Medical Center, the anti-cancer effects of GLP-1 drugs likely stem from multiple mechanisms. “Reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and altering cellular growth pathways may all play a role,” he noted in a news release.

While more recent, more powerful GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Zepbound were not included in the study, researchers are convinced they may provide even stronger protective effects. However, additional long-term studies are necessary to determine their impacts on cancers that are not related to obesity.

This new evidence indicates a paradigm shift of foundational importance in the way we think about metabolic health interventions. GLP-1 medications could soon be hailed not merely as weight-loss supplements or treatments for diabetes but as prevention against one of the world's most dreaded illnesses.

Nevertheless, prudence is still advisable. Long-term experience with these drugs is lacking, and their side effects, including nausea, gastrointestinal upset, and possible hazards for thyroid tumors, need to be weighed. A boxed warning is now placed on the list of the FDA for some GLP-1 drugs for thyroid C-cell tumors, although this has so far been seen most commonly in animal models.

With the worldwide obesity epidemic on the rise, so is the need to know how drugs such as GLP-1 agonists can change not only waistlines, but also long-term health endpoints. The notion that a single class of medication might lower the risk of cancer in addition to managing blood glucose and reducing appetite is revolutionary.

Additional research, particularly with next-generation GLP-1 drugs, will be necessary to more fully investigate and validate these benefits but for the time being, this study introduces an exhilarating and promising new chapter at the nexus of <span>cancer prevention</span> and obesity treatment.

cancer

glp-1 drugs

cancer prevention

weight loss medication

obesity-related cancer

saxenda study

glp-1 cancer risk

diabetes and cancer

ozempic

What if the one injection that is helping you lose weight and manage diabetes also protect you from cancer? That's the surprising promise emerging from a new study on GLP-1 drugs, drugs already drawing attention for their ability to battle obesity and regulate blood sugar. Now scientists have discovered a potential new advantage: a much reduced risk of cancers related to obesity.While the global use of GLP-1 agonists such as Saxenda and Byetta is gaining speed, this research unlocks a thrilling new era in preventive care. But just how do such medications function and why could they be protecting us against cancer?After once being touted as miracle drugs for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications such as Saxenda and Byetta are now uncovering a new benefit: a reduced risk of cancer. New research in the journal eClinicalMedicine identifies that these initial weight-loss medications may have more to their credit than just reducing waistlines—they can cut the risk of developing obesity-linked cancers by a dramatic 41%.This finding has the potential to change forever the way that we think about the wider ramifications of GLP-1 treatments, particularly in a world where metabolic diseases are closely associated with cancer susceptibility. But why might this new benefit exist? And how do these drugs actually work?What Are GLP-1 Drugs and How Do They Work?GLP-1 agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are a type of drug that mimics the effect of an endogenous hormone involved in the modulation of appetite, blood glucose levels, and digestion. Initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, they've become very popular due to their capacity to cause weight loss by reducing hunger and slowing gastric emptying.Drugs such as liraglutide (Saxenda) and exenatide (Byetta) are usually given through subcutaneous injection. Newer forms, including semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Zepbound), have greater efficacy in weight loss and metabolic control, although they were not part of this specific study.GLP-1 acts via a cascade of hormonal action:It triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas, lowering blood sugar.It inhibits the release of glucagon, a hormone that increases blood sugar.It reduces the rate at which the stomach empties following meals.Perhaps most importantly for managing weight, it sends satiety messages to the brain to make people feel fuller for longer.Missing Link Between Cancer Risk and Obesity Both type 2 diabetes and obesity are firmly established as risk factors for many forms of cancer, such as breast, colon, uterine, pancreatic, and liver cancer. This can be explained by the chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalance that accompany excess fat stores.For their new study, scientists from Clalit Health Services in Tel Aviv, Israel, analyzed electronic health records of more than 6,300 adults age 24 and above. Everyone involved had both type 2 diabetes and obesity and received either GLP-1 medication or weight-loss surgery between 2010 and 2018. The group was followed through to December 2023 to record cancer diagnoses.During a median follow-up of 7.5 years, approximately 300 individuals developed cancer of the obesity type—predominantly breast (26%), colon (16%), and uterus (15%).GLP-1 vs. SurgeryAlthough bariatric surgery has been the obesity treatment gold standard for decades—and was in turn found to lower cancer risk—scientists discovered obesity-associated cancers were equal in both the surgery and GLP-1 groups. This was unexpected because surgery tends to induce greater and more immediate weight loss.Still, additional statistical examination found that the GLP-1 medications offered a 41% lower risk of cancerous developments than surgery indicated that their anti-cancer benefit might extend beyond weight loss alone.Reason Behind the Anti-Cancer EffectAccording to co-lead researcher Dr. Dror Dicker, who heads the Obesity Clinic at Hasharon Hospital-Rabin Medical Center, the anti-cancer effects of GLP-1 drugs likely stem from multiple mechanisms. “Reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and altering cellular growth pathways may all play a role,” he noted in a news release.While more recent, more powerful GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Zepbound were not included in the study, researchers are convinced they may provide even stronger protective effects. However, additional long-term studies are necessary to determine their impacts on cancers that are not related to obesity.Can It Change Cancer Treatment?This new evidence indicates a paradigm shift of foundational importance in the way we think about metabolic health interventions. GLP-1 medications could soon be hailed not merely as weight-loss supplements or treatments for diabetes but as prevention against one of the world's most dreaded illnesses.Nevertheless, prudence is still advisable. Long-term experience with these drugs is lacking, and their side effects, including nausea, gastrointestinal upset, and possible hazards for thyroid tumors, need to be weighed. A boxed warning is now placed on the list of the FDA for some GLP-1 drugs for thyroid C-cell tumors, although this has so far been seen most commonly in animal models.With the worldwide obesity epidemic on the rise, so is the need to know how drugs such as GLP-1 agonists can change not only waistlines, but also long-term health endpoints. The notion that a single class of medication might lower the risk of cancer in addition to managing blood glucose and reducing appetite is revolutionary.Additional research, particularly with next-generation GLP-1 drugs, will be necessary to more fully investigate and validate these benefits but for the time being, this study introduces an exhilarating and promising new chapter at the nexus of cancer prevention and obesity treatment.

glp-1 drugs fight fat, curb appetite and may also reduce cancer risk

Not Cholesterol: Surprising Chemical In Shampoo Bottles Tied To Heart-Related Deaths In India

Plastic Pieces Prompt Recall Of Popular Ice Cream Brand

plastic pieces prompt recall of popular ice cream brand

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Does The Requirement Of Exercising Impact On One's Gender?

does the requirement of exercising impact on one's gender?

High Cholesterol Linked To Longer Life Spans In This Blue Zone

high cholesterol linked to longer life spans in this blue zone

Thousands of Indians die every year from heart disease. Now you may link it to high cholesterol and a lack of physical exercise, but the reality is different. According to researchers, these deaths are a result of exposure to a harmful chemical that is present in shampoos, food containers and all other common household <span>plastic</span> products. 

A recent study published in The Lancet eBioMedicine has identified a significant link between exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl <span>phthalate</span> (DEHP)—a chemical commonly used to make plastics more flexible—and heart disease deaths. Surprisingly, among the 200 countries evaluated, India had the highest burden of DEHP-linked cardiovascular deaths and accounted for almost a third of the global mortalities.

DEHP is prevalent in numerous household items, including food containers, medical equipment, toys, shampoos and lotions. The study, conducted by researchers at NYU Langone Health, analysed urine samples and environmental data from over 200 countries and territories. They found that in 2018, DEHP exposure was associated with around 356,238 deaths among individuals aged 55 to 64, accounting for over 13 per cent of global heart disease deaths in that age group. The researchers attributed India's elevated mortality to the rapid expansion of its plastics industry, widespread use of DEHP-containing products and weaker regulatory controls compared to some other nations. 

It is estimated that chemicals in plastic were linked to nearly 350,000 heart disease deaths across the world in 2018. Adding to that, is this study published in the journal eBioMedicine, which estimated that roughly 13 per cent of cardiovascular deaths among 55- to 64-year-olds worldwide that year could be attributed to phthalates.

Where Are Phthalates are esters of phthalic acids, which are added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. They are found in personal care products like shampoos and lotions as well as in food containers and packaging. It is also possible to ingest them through food, absorb them through skin from products containing them or breathe them from dust.

<h2>Study Shows Phthalates Increase Risk of Heart Diseases</h2>

Some studies have shown an association between phthalates and cardiovascular disease, but there isn’t strong evidence to show that the chemicals directly cause heart issues, said Sung Kyun Park, a professor of epidemiology and environmental sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. However, there is enough evidence that states that phthalates increase the risk of metabolic disorders like obesity and Type 2 diabetes, which can cause cardiovascular disease. One way phthalates may do this is by increasing oxidative stress—cell and tissue damage that happens when there are too many unstable molecules in the body—and by promoting inflammation. 

Cardiovascular Diseases

Plastic

Deaths due to plastic

Phthalate

Health issues in India

Thousands of Indians die every year from heart disease. Now you may link it to high cholesterol and a lack of physical exercise, but the reality is different. According to researchers, these deaths are a result of exposure to a harmful chemical that is present in shampoos, food containers and all other common household plastic products. A recent study published in The Lancet eBioMedicine has identified a significant link between exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)—a chemical commonly used to make plastics more flexible—and heart disease deaths. Surprisingly, among the 200 countries evaluated, India had the highest burden of DEHP-linked cardiovascular deaths and accounted for almost a third of the global mortalities.What Is DEHP?DEHP is prevalent in numerous household items, including food containers, medical equipment, toys, shampoos and lotions. The study, conducted by researchers at NYU Langone Health, analysed urine samples and environmental data from over 200 countries and territories. They found that in 2018, DEHP exposure was associated with around 356,238 deaths among individuals aged 55 to 64, accounting for over 13 per cent of global heart disease deaths in that age group. The researchers attributed India's elevated mortality to the rapid expansion of its plastics industry, widespread use of DEHP-containing products and weaker regulatory controls compared to some other nations. It is estimated that chemicals in plastic were linked to nearly 350,000 heart disease deaths across the world in 2018. Adding to that, is this study published in the journal eBioMedicine, which estimated that roughly 13 per cent of cardiovascular deaths among 55- to 64-year-olds worldwide that year could be attributed to phthalates.Where Are Phthalates are esters of phthalic acids, which are added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. They are found in personal care products like shampoos and lotions as well as in food containers and packaging. It is also possible to ingest them through food, absorb them through skin from products containing them or breathe them from dust.Study Shows Phthalates Increase Risk of Heart DiseasesSome studies have shown an association between phthalates and cardiovascular disease, but there isn’t strong evidence to show that the chemicals directly cause heart issues, said Sung Kyun Park, a professor of epidemiology and environmental sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. However, there is enough evidence that states that phthalates increase the risk of metabolic disorders like obesity and Type 2 diabetes, which can cause cardiovascular disease. One way phthalates may do this is by increasing oxidative stress—cell and tissue damage that happens when there are too many unstable molecules in the body—and by promoting inflammation. 

not cholesterol: surprising chemical in shampoo bottles tied to heart-related deaths in india

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