NEW study links arsenic exposure in children to increased cardiovascular disease risk

 by: Sara Middleton, staff writer | July 23, 2023

(NaturalHealth365)  In recent years, concerns over the impact of environmental factors on children’s health have intensified, prompting researchers to investigate the potential links between pollution exposure, toxic chemicals, and cardiovascular health in young populations.  As the world grapples with escalating pollution levels and the widespread use of hazardous substances, understanding the potential long-term consequences for children has become paramount.

A new study published in the peer-reviewed journal JAMA Network Open delves into this pressing issue, shedding light on the potential association between exposure to pollution and toxic chemicals and an increased risk of heart disease in kids.

NEW RESEARCH shows arsenic exposure in children correlated with increased signs of cardiovascular disease

The cross-sectional study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), compiled data from 245 children between the ages of 9 and 11 years old from the Syracuse, NY, area.  This geographical area is particularly relevant for the study of the impacts of environmental toxin exposure, given what the researchers refer to as “historic pollution” in certain greater Syracuse areas.

For context, New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation notes that as long ago as the 1880s, “continuing for over 100 years, a number of industries discharged waste, including mercury, salt processing residue, ammonia, organic compounds and PCBs.”  This irresponsible dumping contributed to severe contamination of a Syracuse-area 4.6 square mile lake called Onondaga Lake.  For the past century, industrial, wastewater, and runoff pollution in this lake and the greater waterway system has had the potential impact on millions of people.

Given this background, the NIH researchers came to a concerning conclusion based on their data analysis.  Specifically, children with higher-than-normal levels of arsenic in their urine also had “significantly greater” rates of subclinical, asymptomatic (aka early stage) cardiovascular disease.  This included the findings of cardiovascular markers such as increased carotid intima thickness and concentric cardiac hypertrophy.

The NIH defines concentric cardiac hypertrophy as “an abnormal increase in left ventricular myocardial mass caused by chronically increased workload on the heart.”  Meanwhile, increased carotid intima thickness is indicative of atherosclerotic vascular disease and has been associated with an increased risk factor for future cardiac-related health problems, including stroke and heart attack.

Alarming, isn’t it?  Just to think that living in areas marred by pollution could actually cause our children to become more at risk for life-changing and potentially fatal heart-related health problems!  Naturally, there are other (current) risks to our children, including the increasing amount of toxic shots being forced into them.  And, we at NaturalHealth365, have covered that issue extensively.

Back to their study about arsenic, the researchers also found that living in geographic areas that were closer to known industrial sites was significantly associated with greater arsenic exposure as measured by urine levels, a finding that was maintained even after they corrected for diet and second-hand smoke.  It’s about time that conventional science would admit the obvious about the dangers of environmental toxins.

“These findings suggest that arsenic exposure may increase the risk of subclinical cardiovascular disease in children residing in certain areas with historic pollution in Syracuse,” the researchers conclude from the data.

Protecting the hearts and future health of our younger generations

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), famous for downplaying the dangers in our world, arsenic is ‘naturally present’ in groundwater throughout the world.

But the WHO does admit … long-term exposure to this chemical element “can cause cancer and skin lesions.  It has also been associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes.  In utero and early childhood exposure has been linked to negative impacts on cognitive development and increased deaths in young adults.”

On its website, the WHO calls on local communities to support safer water supplies in order to reduce public exposure to arsenic.  We also encourage concerned parents to consider utilizing high-quality water filtration systems in their homes, including reverse osmosis systems, that are capable of removing arsenic from the water.

Sources for this article include:

JAMAnetwork.com
Childrenshealthdefense.org
NY.gov
WHO.int
AHAjournals.org