The “harmless” fluorine-containing components of food-grade plastic that have replaced highly toxic substances can actually cause hypertension and insulin resistance.

This is stated by researchers from the Langone Medical Center (NYU Langone Medical Center) in New York.

The fluorine-containing components diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), which were intended to replace another substance, di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (dioctyl phthalate, or DEHP), were considered by scientists to be as harmful to health as their predecessor.

These phthalates are used to produce a huge range of food containers and household products.. Scientists warn of the dangers of using such products on the pages of Hypertension and The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

The first study, published in the journal Hypertension, says that with an increase in the consumption of phthalates every 10 times, systolic blood pressure in humans increases by an average of 1.1 mm. rt. st. On the one hand, the figure is more than modest, but given the current spread of food grade plastic, this can result in quite substantial 5, 7, and even 10 millimeters.

In a second study, published on the pages of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, scientists found that 1 in 3 adolescents with a high level of DINP in the blood has increased insulin resistance. This suggests that such a teenager in the future is a potential victim of diabetes.

To get his latest results, Professor Trazande and his colleagues used urine and blood samples from participants in the National Health and Nutrition Research (NHANES), which took place in the United States since 1999..

As part of their work in the NYU Langone laboratory, 5,000 samples were analyzed, after which the analysis data were compared with questionnaires filled out by the project participants, as well as with the results of their periodic examination.

Scientists took into account factors such as diet, physical activity, race, nationality, age, gender, income level and socio-economic status of participants.

Growing public concern.

Lead author of the study, Dr. Leonardo Trasande, professor of medicine at NYU Langone, says: “Our work reinforces the growing public concern over food plastic, which could lead to insulin resistance, high blood pressure and serious metabolic disorders,”.

Professor Trasande is a well-known critic of the use of potentially dangerous synthetic substances, which is not the first time to voice high-profile facts.. He says that the results of his recent work call into question many laws, including in the United States itself, which allow manufacturers to use phthalates so poorly used..

Recall that in 2013, Professor Trazande confirmed the relationship between the effect on the body of DEGF and hypertension. Diethylhexylphthalate used to be a plasticizer in Europe, but in 2004 DEHP was banned in the EU, and DINP and DIDF became its heirs..

“Perhaps it’s best not to use food grade plastic at all.. Alternatives to DINF and DIDF may be paper or aluminum foil.. On the other hand, a change in attitude to nutrition, a transition from canned to fresh products would also contribute to a sharp reduction in the use of phthalates, ”the professor believes..

Trasande adds that there are safe and simple measures that will help each of us reduce the effects of harmful substances on the body.. Among them:.

• Do not place food in a microwave oven in plastic containers or with plastic lids..

• Do not wash plastic products in a dishwasher where there is a risk of leakage..

• Do not buy plastic containers with numbers 3, 6 or 7 inside the triangle.

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