Does water and soil pollution silently threaten our hearts? Are heavy metals and pesticides more dangerous than we think?
According to several researchers, these substances could have much more serious effects than previously thought, contributing to an alarming increase in cardiovascular diseases.
Soils and water are saturated with chemicals, putting the health of billions of people at risk. Among pollutants, heavy metals and microplastics are accused of causing inflammation, stress oxidative and endothelial dysfunctions (tissues that line the wall internal vessels and heart).
Published in Nature Reviews Cardiologya study by Thomas Münzel and Andreas Daiber underlines the urgency of this threat, often underestimated 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 pathologies. This equates to 16% of global deaths, a figure scary.
Water pollution affects 25% of the world’s population, affected by water shortages worsened by global warming. The dust in suspensionincluding the famous Saharan dust, are also to blame, causing 770,000 annual deaths linked to cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, land degradation threatens the health of 40% of the world’s population.
Thomas Münzel emphasizes the need to take these environmental factors into account in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Reduction of pesticides, better management of the quality ofair and the filtration water are suggested ways 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.
What is endothelial dysfunction and how is it linked to pollution?
Endothelial dysfunction refers to an impaired function of the endothelium, the layer of cells that lines blood vessels. She plays a key role in the regulation vascular tone,inflammation and coagulation. When compromised, it can lead to cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis.
Pollution from heavy metals, pesticides and other chemicals interact with endothelial cells, causing oxidative stress and inflammation. These disruptions impair the endothelium’s defense mechanisms, making blood vessels more susceptible to damage, increasing the risk of heart disease.
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, notably by causing cardiovascular diseases.
Ingestion or exposure to contaminated water disrupts bodily functions, causing inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. These biological processes can damage blood vessels and the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease. Around 2 billion people live in regions affected by water pollution, which constitutes 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 the discharge of pollutants into water resources. This will help protect not only aquatic ecosystems, but also the health of vulnerable populations.
