A recent study out of the University of Cincinnati found that chemicals in everyday products, including plastics and personal care items, may subtly alter the electrical activity of the heart.
Here’s What the Study Found
Researchers looked at a few different categories of everyday chemicals:
- Phenols, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS): These are used in plastic containers (to make the plastic more rigid), as well as things like paper receipts and canned goods.
- Parabens: Preservatives found in shampoos and other personal care products.
- Triclocarban (TCC): An antimicrobial agent. (This was was banned for use in hand soap in the U.S. in 2017, but it is still allowed in other types of consumer products.)
The researchers’ analysis of nearly 10,000 individuals in the Fernald Community Cohort examined the relationship between phenol exposure and heart health. The study found that:
- Higher BPA and BPF levels in women were linked to changes in heart rhythm, specifically in the PR interval. (The PR interval measures the time electrical signals take to travel from one part of the heart to another.)
- Men with higher TCC exposure showed longer QT intervals, meaning their heart’s electrical system recharged more slowly. This can potentially increasing the risk of arrhythmia.
The study’s lead author, Hong-Sheng Wang, said that “These were not dramatic changes that we observed, but moderate changes to cardiac electrical activity. However, they were particularly pronounced in certain subpopulations.”
In other words, older adults, people with heart conditions, or those with other health concerns are more likely to experience potentially-dangerous changes in the heart’s electrical activity due to chemical exposure.
Similar Findings in Previous Research
Research on chemical exposure and heart health is not new. Prior studies have found correlations between phenols and other chemicals and cardiovascular issues. For example:
- A study based on NHANES data from 2013 to 2016 reported increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk linked to BPS, particularly among older adults and individuals with certain lifestyle factors (such as activity status, smoking, alcohol use, etc.).
- Another study looked at how frequent use of cleaning sprays and scented products affects HRV, a measure of heart health. This study found that using air freshening sprays 4–7 times a week was linked to a 29% decrease in total HRV, signaling higher cardiovascular stress. (This study did not look at specific chemicals in the sprays, but rather the general use of sprays. Household sprays and scented products commonly contain endocrine-disruptors such as phthalates and other potentially concerning ingredients, which may or may not have played a role in the results.)
- Additionally, it’s been known for quite some time that deep facial chemical peels, which use phenols, can increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmia, especially in vulnerable populations.
Phenols, parabens, and TCC all act as endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with hormone functions. Since heart health is partly regulated by hormones, disruptions can alter how the heart’s electrical impulses move, potentially affecting heart rhythm over time.
Who is at Higher Risk?
The study’s findings were gender-specific and influenced by other factors:
- Women with higher body mass index (BMI) experienced more noticeable changes in heart rhythm associated with BPA and BPF.
- Older adults and individuals with pre-existing heart conditions may be particularly vulnerable to these subtle changes.
What You Can Do About It
Reducing exposure to these endocrine-disruptors can help mitigate potential health risks, especially for vulnerable groups. Here are a few easy practical steps:
- Limit Plastic Use When You Can: Choose glass or stainless steel containers over plastic, especially for food storage.
- Check Labels on Personal Care Products: Avoid products with parabens and “fragrance” (which can contain phthalates and other endocrine-disruptors).
- Reduce Canned Food Consumption If Possible: Many cans contain linings that use BPA and other phenols (such as BPS).
- Avoid Heating Plastics: Heat can cause BPA and other chemicals to leach out of the plastic and into your food or drink, so avoid microwaving food in plastic containers.
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