Around the world, most people are regularly exposed to low or moderate levels of lead, cadmium and arsenic in the environment, increasing risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease, according to a new American Heart Association statement.
These metals, considered contaminant metals, have no function in the human body. They are found in groundwater, water pipes, paint, tobacco products, fertilizer, plastic, electronics, gasoline, batteries, some foods and other commonly used items. Lead, cadmium and arsenic are absorbed via the respiratory and/or gastrointestinal tract. People who live in lower economic neighborhoods often have high exposure to these metals.
A multi-faceted approach to reducing the cardiovascular risks of contaminant metals may include public health measures, such as environmental monitoring and abatement; individual testing; further evaluation of the consequences of metal exposure and the development of treatments.
Read more at: Columbia University
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