Can phthalate exposure increase stroke risk differently for men and women?

What's actually in it

Phthalates are plasticizers found in vinyl flooring, plastic food packaging, cling wrap, personal care products (especially fragranced ones), and soft plastic toys. You absorb them through food, skin, and air. Different phthalates enter your body from different sources: DEHP mainly from food packaging, DEP from fragrances and cosmetics, and DBP from vinyl products.

These chemicals disrupt hormones and affect blood vessel function, both of which matter for stroke risk.

What the research says

A 2026 cross-sectional study in Environ Pollut examined the association between urinary phthalate metabolites and stroke risk. The researchers analyzed the data separately by sex and found different patterns for men and women.

In women, higher levels of DEHP metabolites (from food packaging) showed the strongest association with stroke risk. In men, DBP metabolites (from vinyl products and adhesives) had a stronger link. Both sexes showed elevated risk with higher total phthalate burden.

The sex differences likely reflect both different exposure patterns (women use more personal care products, men may have more occupational vinyl exposure) and different hormonal responses to phthalates. Phthalates disrupt estrogen and testosterone differently, and both hormones affect blood vessel health.

Phthalates also increased inflammatory markers and promoted endothelial dysfunction (damage to blood vessel linings), two key steps on the path to stroke.

To reduce phthalate exposure, store food in glass, choose fragrance-free personal care products, and avoid soft vinyl products in your home.