New report: lead is also bad for your heart

In a new scientific statement, the American Heart Association warns that lead can increase risks of cardiovascular disease. The AHA statement notes that even low to moderate levels of lead (as well as cadmium and arsenic) are linked to higher risks for stroke and coronary artery disease.

While lead is most often associated with harming kids’ ability to learn and grow, the evidence of heart risks has been growing. Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health recently found that reduced cardiovascular disease was a significant health benefit of preventing lead contamination of drinking water. And the risk is not just for kids: in 2018, public health experts demonstrated that low levels of lead contribute to heart disease deaths among adults.

All of this reinforces the urgency of our Get the Lead Out campaign.  To see how your state is doing on preventing lead from contaminating kids’ drinking water, check out our 2023 report.  And for tips and resources to take action locally, see our Get the Lead Out toolkit.