Do plastics have toxic effects on the heart?

We’ve all heard warnings about BPA — a chemical found in plastics and personal care products. Studies show that nearly 90% of Americans have detectable levels of BPA in their bodies. Now, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine research has revealed this everyday exposure is tied to changes in the heart’s electrical system.

BPA can be found in water bottles, food can linings, cash register receipts, eye glass lenses, even baby bottles and makeup. These are environmental phenols — chemicals in products we touch every day.

“Phenols are a wide variety of chemicals. The best-known example is BPA,” said Hong-Sheng Wang, PhD, professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neurobiology.

UC researchers studied 600 people. Urine tests and EKGs found higher exposure was linked to changes in heart rhythms.

“The electrical conduction literally keeps us alive. If it gets altered in any way, you could die immediately,” said Jack Rubinstein, MD, professor in the Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease and UC Health cardiologist.

However, Rubinstein said, “Healthy individuals should not be affected by this. But if you find a person that’s genetically predisposed, that is older, these can lead to potential changes."

This is the first large study in people to link common chemicals, such as BPA, to changes in how the heart’s electrical system works. Researchers say the next step is to study who may be most at risk and how to reduce everyday exposure.

Featured image at top: A row of plastic water bottles inside a bottling plant. Photo/iStock/mladenbalinovac.