Studies linking air pollution to health problems continue to emerge: asthma, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, infertility… And more recently chronic renal failure. This is highlighted by a recent study published in PLOS Oneand conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan (USA).
Kidney failure occurs when a person’s kidneys can no longer filter the blood properly. In order to observe a link with air pollution, the researchers studied the health data of 1.1 million Americans as well as air quality measurements taken from the‘Environmental Protection Agency. From this, they examined the association between the presence of fine particles and the prevalence of chronic renal failure. The link is very clear: the more the area is polluted, the more there is kidney failure.
The kidneys on the front line
The unfortunate thing, scientists say, is that fine particles are impossible to avoid. They are so light and so small that they stay in the air for a long time and sneak all over the body. They are mainly produced by households, means of transport and industry. In addition to fine particles, the researchers add that air pollution also contains heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium, all known to have adverse effects on the kidneys.
“Similar to smoking, air pollution contains harmful toxins that can directly affect the kidneys,” explains in a statement Jennifer Bragg-Gresham, lead author of the study. “The kidneys filter a very large volume of blood, and if something harms the circulatory system, they will be the first to feel the effects.”
Some people more vulnerable than others
People with diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure or heart disease are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease. This is why the researchers advise these people – who live in heavily populated and/or polluted areas – to take precautions such as wearing a mask, limit hours spent outdoors and long journeys in high traffic areas.
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