A study conducted at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health found that exposure to environmental pollutants like heavy metals can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers analyzed data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and tracked about 6,400 adults over a 10-year period. They found that exposure to metals such as cadmium, tungsten, uranium, cobalt, copper, and zinc was associated with increased calcium buildup in the coronary arteries, a sign of atherosclerosis. Older individuals, those of Chinese descent, and those with less education were found to have higher levels of urinary metals.
The study also found that exposure to certain metals such as cadmium, tungsten, uranium, and cobalt was associated with atherosclerosis over the 10-year period. On the other hand, copper and zinc levels were associated with a decrease in coronary artery calcium levels over time. These findings highlight the impact of metal exposure on cardiovascular health and suggest that certain populations may be at higher risk for atherosclerosis due to environmental factors. Strategies to reduce exposure to metals include quitting smoking, testing water sources, using air purifiers, and maintaining a healthy diet rich in iron, calcium, and B vitamins.
According to medical experts, environmental exposures, including pollution and metal contamination, have long been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study emphasizes the need for public policies to reduce metal contamination in the environment to protect populations from exposure. The exact sources of metal exposure, whether through air, food, or other means, are not yet clear, but efforts should focus on reducing overall contamination levels to mitigate health risks associated with metal exposure.
Rebecca Fuoco, director of Science Communications at the Green Science Policy Institute, suggests practical steps individuals can take to limit personal exposure to metals, such as regular cleaning to reduce dust levels and avoiding tracking in contaminated dirt. While personal actions can help reduce exposure, widespread metal pollution remains a larger policy issue that requires collective efforts to address. Ultimately, protecting communities from metal exposure will require environmental protection measures and regulations to reduce contamination levels in air, water, and food systems. By raising awareness about the impact of metal exposure on cardiovascular health, researchers hope to inform policies and practices that can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with environmental pollutants.
