Worse than smoking and cholesterol. Researchers have reported on mortality due to lead

 Economists at the World Bank have published the results of a study of the effects of lead on cardiovascular mortality and IQ loss in children in poor and developing countries.

According to their model, 5.5 million adults died of heart disease due to lead exposure in 2019, 90% of them in low- and middle-income countries, informs UAINFO.org with reference to NV.ua.

This is six times the previous estimate and accounts for about 30% of all deaths from cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide.

The researchers' findings mean that lead exposure is a more serious cause of heart disease than smoking or high cholesterol.

In addition to affecting the heart and blood vessels, the metal can harm the health of the brain.

The study also estimated that in 2019, children under the age of five lost a total of 765 million IQ points due to lead poisoning worldwide, with 95% of these losses occurring in developing countries.

This number is almost 80% higher than previously estimated.

World Bank researchers estimate that the economic cost of lead exposure in 2019 was $6 trillion, equivalent to 7% of global gross domestic product.

For the analysis, the researchers used estimates of blood lead levels in 183 countries from the landmark Global Burden of Disease 2019 study.

Previous studies only measured lead's effect on heart disease when it came to raising blood pressure. But the new analysis looked at many other ways lead affects the heart, such as atherosclerosis, which can lead to stroke.

At the same time, some scientists are in no hurry to take into account the results of this study. They highlight the questionable methodology used in building the model.

For example, Roy Harrison, an air pollution and health expert at the University of Birmingham in the UK, says the study is "interesting but leaves a lot of questions."

He notes that the relationship between blood lead and cardiovascular disease is based on one study in the United States, and it is unclear whether its findings can be used to estimate other countries.

This article contains general information of a reference nature and should not be considered as an alternative to the recommendations of a doctor. If you are concerned about your health, consult your doctor.