Air pollution has been linked to serious kidney diseases as revealed in a new scientific study.
It has been found by the researchers that prolonged exposure to polluted air may cause an increase in the risk of kidney failure, fatal kidney related conditions and hospital admissions.
The research was carried out in 2011 and 2021 in São Paulo, Brazil.
The health data from 37,000 individuals was analysed in the study. The data was analysed to examine the impact of air pollution on kidney health.
A direct link was observed by the researchers between higher rates of chronic kidney diseases, kidney related hospitalizations and sudden kidney failure and poor air quality.
The findings also suggested that the people who were aged between 19 and 50 experienced a noticeable increase in kidney-related disease risk linked to air pollution.
However, as a person ages, the danger increases. For individuals who were aged around 51 to 75 the risk was found to be nearly 2.5 times greater.
When it comes to hospitalisation risks, the findings suggested that more men are hospitalised when compared to women.
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Lucia Andrade, Research Professor further explained that the fine particulate matter from polluted air can accumulate in kidney tissues after entering in the bloodstream.
The immune system views these particles as foreign substances and triggers inflammation, premature ageing of kidney cells and fibrosis.
Kidney diseases often develop silently. Due to this many patients remain unaware until severe damage has occurred.
It is important to note that the average pollution levels during the study period were nearly three times higher than limits recommended by the World Health Organisation.
However, it has also been emphasised by the researchers that even when pollution levels are low, air pollution can still increase the risk of kidney disease or failure.
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