By Abdullahi Lukman
A recent study published in Atherosclerosis has revealed the detrimental effects of water and soil pollution on human health, particularly its role in the rise of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
The study examines the interconnectedness of water and soil pollution with public health, shedding light on the profound impact of pollution on morbidity and mortality globally.
Pollution, both air and soil, significantly affects disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), with the latter particularly impacting older populations.
Water pollution, in particular, is linked to higher infant mortality rates.
Notably, over two-thirds of diseases caused by pollution are noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), with cardiovascular diseases accounting for 60 percent of the burden.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, current global health plans for NCD prevention lack specific strategies for pollution mitigation.
The study also suggests that environmental factors such as pollution may be more influential in driving NCDs than genetic predispositions, highlighting a critical gap in health strategies.
Soil pollution results from harmful chemicals, including heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, and industrial waste.
These contaminants primarily stem from mining, agriculture, and waste mismanagement. Emerging pollutants like micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are of particular concern.
The study notes that MNPs release toxic additives like phthalates and bisphenols, which disrupt cellular functions and exacerbate cardiovascular risks.
These particles also act as carriers for other harmful chemicals, amplifying their impact on cardiovascular and metabolic health.
The contamination of both water and soil with chemicals such as heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium) has been shown to cause cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders, and heart disease.
For example, arsenic in water is a leading cause of waterborne deaths, while cadmium and lead are linked to ischemic heart disease and hypertension. Even low-level exposure to these heavy metals can significantly increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Chemicals like Bisphenol A and per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) disrupt endocrine systems, further elevating risks for CVDs and other metabolic disorders.
The role of environmental factors, including soil and water pollution, in accelerating cardiovascular diseases is gaining increasing attention. For instance, exposure to lead is a well-established cause of hypertension and cardiovascular mortality.
Studies from Sweden and the United States have linked lead exposure to atherosclerosis, particularly in the carotid arteries, contributing to higher risks of cardiovascular events.
The study also examines the broader ecological factors that contribute to soil and water pollution.
Soil, which serves as a critical carbon sink, is being degraded by climate change, leading to desertification, erosion, and decreased soil moisture.
The Food and Agriculture Organization notes that climate change is exacerbating soil conditions globally, which, in turn, has serious implications for agricultural productivity.
Overfertilization and excess nitrogen from fertilizers also contribute to particulate matter (PM2.5) formation, which is directly linked to cardiovascular disease and strokes.
Deforestation, driven by logging, mining, and urbanization, also plays a role in environmental degradation.
The loss of forests not only releases greenhouse gases but also disrupts the hydrological cycle, leading to altered rainfall patterns, flooding, and droughts, which further threaten human health and biodiversity.
Moreover, poorly designed urban environments with high traffic and industrial zones amplify pollution exposure, leading to further cardiovascular risks.
Urban areas with inadequate waste management contribute to persistent soil and water contamination by heavy metals and hazardous chemicals.
The study also highlights the impacts on communities that rely on forests for food, medicine, and livelihood.
These populations face increased vulnerability to food insecurity and displacement due to environmental degradation.
The destruction of the Amazon rainforest, for instance, accelerates greenhouse gas emissions and disrupts the region’s hydrological system, further exacerbating climate change.
Lastly, airborne dust, a byproduct of soil disturbance, construction, and agricultural activities, is another significant contributor to health problems.
Inhaled dust particles can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Exposure to desert dust, particularly in regions experiencing desertification, has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory deaths.
The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive pollution mitigation strategies to address the growing global health crisis linked to environmental degradation.
It calls for greater attention to the links between pollution and noncommunicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, in global health planning.