Whoever came up with the term “phthalates” must have wanted to make sure you couldn't figure out how to say the word — or notice how harmful they can be to your health.

Phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates) are chemicals that carry fragrances in personal care and cleaning products, improve the texture of cosmetics, and make plastic more flexible and sturdier. But they leach out of those products and contaminate water, air, food and your internal organs.

A new study says in one year (2018), phthalates contributed globally to the cardiovascular deaths of almost 370,000 peoples ages 55 to 64.

But that's not all the harm they can do. They also trigger asthma and allergies, and act as hormone disruptors (frog studies indicate they may cause gender dysphoria). And they might contribute to liver and kidney damage and obesity.

How can you reduce your exposure to phthalates?

• Ditch anything with an added synthetic fragrance. Opt for 100% essential oil fragrances.

• Repackage foods that come in plastic, and store all leftovers in glass containers.

• Don't microwave or heat food in plastic containers.

• Use a water filter to remove phthalates from drinking water.

• Eat organic if you can, and opt for low- or no-fat dairy and lean meat products. Phthalates pile up in fats. Check out the lean recipes in my "What to Eat When Cookbook."

Therapeutic plasma exchange can clear phthalates from your blood and reduce the risk of phthalate-related diseases.

For more info on how to clean up your environment, inside and out, enjoy the free newsletter at LongevityPlaybook.com.