The Genius Life 496: Are Plastics Killing Us? Phthalates, Endocrine Disruptors, and the Hidden Risk of Heart Disease | Leonardo Trasande, MD
Jun 18, 2025
Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a pediatrician and researcher from NYU, dives into the alarming effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, particularly phthalates, on human health. He reveals how these toxins, lurking in everyday products, can lead to cardiovascular disease and reproductive issues. The discussion includes practical tips for reducing plastic exposure, the hidden dangers in bottled water, and the dire need for regulatory changes. Trasande emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness and highlights the potential risks of common household items we often overlook.
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Phthalates: Plastics' Softening Chemicals
- Phthalates are chemicals added to plastics to soften them and are also used in fragrances to make scents last longer.
- These chemicals come from fossil fuel byproducts and are ubiquitous in flexible plastics and various products in daily life.
Plastics' Rapid Rise and Risks
- Plastic production exploded after World War II and continues growing except during crises like the 1970s oil crisis and COVID-19.
- We now understand plastic chemicals can disrupt hormones and micro/nanoplastics may damage human tissues, representing serious health issues.
Phthalates Program Metabolism Harmfully
- Phthalate exposure wrecks metabolism and programs babies to store fat, increasing obesity risk.
- These chemicals disrupt how the body processes calories, leading to misplaced fat storage despite healthy behaviors.
