Scientists Warn of Links Between Soil Pollution and Heart Disease!

Pesticides and heavy metals in soil may have detrimental (very harmful) effects on the cardiovascular system, according to a review paper published today in Cardiovascular Research, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology.

“Soil contamination is a less visible danger to human health than dirty air,” said author Professor Thomas Münzel of the University Medical Center Mainz, Germany. “But the evidence is mounting that pollutants in soil may damage cardiovascular health through a number of mechanisms including inflammation and disrupting the body’s natural clock.”

Pollution of air, water, and soil is responsible for at least 9 million deaths every year. More than 60% of pollution-related disease and death is due to Cardiovascular (Heart) Disease. Some types of this disease caused by pollution include stroke, heart attack, and heart rhythm disorders.

This paper highlights the relationships between soil pollution and human health, particularly cardiovascular disease. Soil pollutants include heavy metals, pesticides, and plastics. The authors state that contaminated soil may lead to cardiovascular disease by increasing oxidative stress in the blood vessels (with more “bad” free radicals and fewer “good” antioxidants), causing inflammation, and by disturbing the body clock (circadian rhythm).

This is why I always say that we must do our part by reducing pollution and encouraging others to recycle. Also, we all have to support the #savesoil movement which is started by Sadguru to save soil and make our earth a better place to live.

Author: Sri Nihal Tammana

Source: European Society of Cardiology