Is water and soil pollution silently threatening our hearts? Are heavy metals and pesticides more dangerous than we think?
According to several researchers, these substances could have far more serious effects than previously believed, contributing to an alarming increase in cardiovascular diseases.
The soil and water are saturated with chemicals, endangering the health of billions of people. Among the pollutants, heavy metals and microplastics are accused of causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction (the tissues lining the inner wall of vessels and the heart).
Published in Nature Reviews Cardiology, a study by Thomas Münzel and Andreas Daiber highlights the urgency of this often-underestimated threat by cardiologists. These pollutants affect the biological clock and alter the lining of blood vessels, thus accelerating heart disease.
According to a 2019 study, this pollution is responsible for 9 million premature deaths per year, half of which are due to cardiovascular diseases. This accounts for 16% of deaths worldwide, a frightening figure.
Water pollution affects 25% of the global population, which faces water shortages exacerbated by climate change. Suspended particles, including the famous Saharan dust, are also to blame, causing 770,000 annual deaths related to cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, soil degradation threatens the health of 40% of the world's population.
Thomas Münzel stresses the need to consider these environmental factors in cardiovascular disease prevention. Reducing the use of pesticides, better air quality management, and water filtration are avenues proposed to reduce these risks.
These measures must be part of a long-term vision, with global regulations aimed at protecting public health by reducing pollution. The European Commission aims for a pollution-free Europe by 2050.
How does water pollution affect our health?
Water pollution results from the introduction of contaminants, such as heavy metals, industrial chemicals, and pesticides, into aquatic systems. These pollutants can have devastating effects on human health, including causing cardiovascular diseases.
Ingesting or being exposed to contaminated water disrupts bodily functions, triggering inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. These biological processes can damage blood vessels and the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease. Approximately 2 billion people live in regions affected by water pollution, making it a major public health issue.
To mitigate these effects, it is essential to improve water management practices, filter contaminants, and promote environmental policies aimed at reducing pollutant discharges into water resources. This will help protect not only aquatic ecosystems but also the health of vulnerable populations.