In addition to the immense damage that the human species is causing to the environment, many of the same problems that cause climate change have serious consequences for our health as well. This is the case of air pollution.
Specifically, the World Health Organization issued a statement this week in which they explain that it is estimated that environmental pollution causes 31% of cardiovascular diseases worldwide, more than sedentary lifestyle, obesity or sedentary lifestyle.
Millions of deaths could be prevented
These are the conclusions of a report published in the Circulation medium , in which the World Heart Federation, the American University of Cardiology, the American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology warn of the need to reduce the exposure to pollutants of the persons. Something that can only be achieved by reducing pollution itself.
In fact, it is clear from the document, nothing more and nothing less than 12% of all deaths that occurred in 2019 (the year from which the data with which the report was made) are attributable to environmental pollution.
Half of all these deaths were due to cardiovascular disease due to pollution, which is why it is considered to be the fourth risk factor causing the highest mortality from these diseases, after hypertension, smoking and poor diet.
Some of the most dangerous chemicals include asbestos, arsenic, benzene, cadmium, dioxin, fluoride, mercury, pesticides, and lead.
Cardiologists also call on their colleagues to recognize this risk factor in clinics, since, they explain, there are drugs that eliminate heavy metals through the urine and that have been shown to be effective in treating cardiovascular disease of atherosclerotic origin. which is the most related to air pollution.
According to the WHO, if effective measures are taken to tackle this problem, millions of deaths can be avoided every year.
