Soil and Water Pollution: Research Shows Link to Cardiovascular Disease

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Soil and water pollution are some of the biggest environmental threats today. Aside from harming wildlife and disrupting ecosystems, they are also detrimental to human health. Recent studies have uncovered a troubling connection between pollution and heart disease, raising the urgency for attention and solutions from governments, communities, and other sectors.

The Effects of Pollution-Induced Cardiovascular Disease

A review paper published in Nature Reviews Cardiology in 2024 revealed strong connections between soil and water pollution and cardiovascular disease. 

The researchers found that the chemical pollution of soil, air, water, and food has led to around 9 million premature deaths worldwide each year. This staggering number amounts to 16% of all global deaths. Cardiovascular disease is responsible for more than half — around 5.5 million — of these fatalities.

According to the study, pollutants like microplastics, pesticides, and heavy metals can disrupt normal bodily processes. They interact with protein-bound thiols and cause oxidative stress and inflammation while impacting the circadian rhythm. 

These pollutants can also seep into workplaces and consumer products, contributing to blood vessel damage. Altogether, these effects can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

What Are These Hidden Contaminants?

Pollutants can take many forms, but some are more harmful than others. Many studies have examined air, water, and soil pollution in different areas. Heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and lead are the most concerning, especially when they enter the body.

Lead

While lead is banned in several countries, it may still exist in older structures or equipment built before the ban. Lead from abandoned mines in Picher, Oklahoma, managed to poison 63% of younger community members over the years.

Numerous studies have proven the detrimental effects of lead on brain development, making it especially dangerous for children. While a small amount of lead was once thought to be harmless to adults, new studies suggest that even low blood lead levels could lead to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Aside from its effects on the brain, lead can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which affects the normal functioning of blood vessels and the overall cardiovascular process.

Cadmium

Cadmium is another heavy metal facing strong restrictions due to the harm it can cause when misused. High levels of cadmium have links to higher risks of cardiovascular disease. It can also cause cancer, skeletal issues, kidney problems, and respiratory issues.

Many countries have banned the use of cadmium in consumer products like cheap toys and jewelry. However, the industrial use of the substance has caused widespread contamination. Food safety is a significant concern, since small amounts of cadmium can accumulate in shellfish, cereals, starchy roots, and vegetables.

Arsenic

Arsenic is a well-known poison. While its links to heart issues are less direct, research has shown that early exposure to this substance can cause genetic changes that can worsen cardiovascular risks later in life.

The past use of lead arsenate pesticides in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama is a significant concern. Many fields in these states have retained the toxic substances, passing them onto the rice crops grown there.

Pesticides

Aside from arsenic, other chemicals found in pesticides can also increase the risk of heart disease. A 2022 literature review revealed the link between different types of pesticides and heart attacks, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular conditions.

Aside from affecting the farmers working with these substances, pesticides can also harm the public, who consume crops treated with them.

Plastics

Micro and nanoplastics are a major part of soil and water pollution. More than floating in the surroundings, these tiny particles are entering human bodies. 

In a recent study, researchers have found tiny plastic particles in people’s neck arteries. They observed these people for nearly three years. Those with microplastics in their neck artery plaque experienced heart attacks, stroke, and death at a rate 4.5 times higher than those without.

There is no evidence yet directly pointing to microplastics as the cause of these conditions. However, the fact that plastic pollution has reached the bloodstream is already alarming.

How Communities Can Protect Themselves

Soil and water pollution are widespread issues that require comprehensive solutions. Unfortunately, corporate interests and inconsistent government action make addressing these problems difficult. Still, communities worldwide are working together to lessen pollution’s detrimental effects and minimize the harm to the environment.

Here are some community solutions that can lessen the impact of pollution on public health:

Improving Water Filtration

Access to clean water is a human right. It protects people from waterborne illnesses and promotes sanitation, yet many still suffer from contaminated water sources. 

An at-home water filter is a simple yet accessible solution to improve water quality. Community initiatives have also stepped up, especially in areas where government efforts aren’t making much progress. Citizens in Timor Leste, for example, have developed an easily replicable DIY filtration system using local materials like sand and gravel.

Following Non-Toxic Agricultural Practices

Farming practices greatly affect soil and water quality. Instead of overly relying on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides containing heavy metals and other harmful pollutants, an organic approach can be healthier. 

For example, farms and gardens can make and use their own compost and organic pesticides to minimize exposure to hazardous chemicals. While these methods can be more labor-intensive, they improve food safety and prevent further pollution.

Calling for Better Environmental Regulations

No community can address pollution alone, so collective action is crucial. Grassroots organizations often lead these initiatives by documenting environmental conditions, raising awareness, and organizing petitions or protests.

Legal action is another approach. Many communities worldwide have filed lawsuits against corporations responsible for pollution and other environmental crimes. From 2013 to 2024, individuals and communities have filed over 200 environmental lawsuits against corporations and governments worldwide.

Aside from suing offending parties, environmentally aligned organizations can work with politicians to push for harmful chemical bans or stronger enforcement of environmental laws. Coordinated and persistent efforts can force action on multiple levels.

The Link Between Pollution and Public Health

Pollution is more than an environmental issue — it’s a public health concern. Studies linking land and water contamination to cardiovascular disease show the strong connection between the environment and humankind. Governments must listen to their constituents and prioritize their well-being. Protecting the environment is a direct investment in public health.