Do you live in a city with high levels of pollution? If so, you may need to do more to protect your kidneys. No doubt, most people know that air pollution is bad for their health. Nevertheless, a new study has now added Kidneys to the growing list of organs that may be damaged by breathing polluted air. This is the first study that would actually link air pollution to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.

The study was published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, September , 2017.

In the study, researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs (VA) St. Louis Health Care System looked at the impact of polluted air on 2.5 million individuals between 2004 and 2013. Interestingly, they found that 44,793 new cases of kidney disease and 2,438 new cases of kidney failure may be due to air pollution amongst other factors.

Why does air pollution affect the kidneys?

According to experts, ‘fine particles can damage the kidneys in the same way they damage other organs such as the heart and lungs. Airborne and invisible, microscopic pieces of dust, dirt, smoke, soot and liquid droplets often become destructive when they invade the bloodstream. The kidneys filter the blood, and these harmful particles can disrupt normal kidney function.’’

Interestingly, even low levels of pollution may adversely affect the kidneys.

“The higher the levels of air pollution, the worse it is for the kidneys,” said Al-Aly, who is also the VA’s director of clinical epidemiology in St. Louis. “However, no level is completely safe. Even at relatively low levels, there was a relationship between particulate matter concentrations below the EPA thresholds and kidney disease.”

Why is this information important?

Air pollution occurs when gases, particles and other chemicals are released in the air we breathe. These substances are harmful and may cause serious health problems.

Air pollution is the deadliest form of pollution on the planet. According to recent studies, over 6 million people die from air pollution-related diseases annually.

Air pollution has been linked to several serious medical conditions such as:

High blood pressure
Stroke
Chronic Lung diseases
Asthma
Lung cancer
In 2016, studies revealed that Nigeria is home to some of the most polluted cities worldwide. Onitsha, Kaduna, Aba and Umuahia, all industrial hubs in Nigeria where listed in the top 20 cities with worst air pollution. See complete list below:




See countries with the highest levels of pollution related deaths according to the World Health Organization.



See photos here>>> Source:http://www.healthx24.com/air-pollution-is-bad-for-your-kidneys-study-finds/

What are the common sources of pollution in our environment?

It is important to note that not all forms of pollution are visible.

Carbon monoxide from burning fuels such as coal, oil and gas.

Nitrogen dioxide is comes mostly from cars and trucks, plants that generate electricity, and burning wood.

Ground-level ozone, which are released from factories, and organic compounds, which are released naturally from plants. Ozone near the ground is not beneficial like the ozone layer in the stratosphere, and is a major part of smog.

Ultrafine aerosols are tiny particles in the air. Also released from cars, trucks, and power plants. These particles travel deep into their lungs and the tissue of the lungs. Household cleaning supplies, pesticides, cigarettes, perfumes, air freshners

Most people are exposed to traffic related while walking, in the vehicle, standing on busy streets.

Children who live in areas with heavy traffic are at greater risk of breathing problems.

What are some tips for reducing exposure to air pollution?

Consider low traffic routes when outdoors or choosing school or residence
Do not keep the engine of the car running in a poorly ventilated area
Compost rather than burn waste. This may also improve soil quality and save money
Remove shoes at the door
Keep trash covered to prevent pests
Reduce the use of air freshener
According to recent estimates, nine out of 10 of the world’s population live in places where air pollution exceeds safe limits.

These grim facts about air pollution clearly call for a need to address this issue. According to Dr Chris Murray, ‘’Of all the different risk factors for premature deaths, this is one area, the air we breathe, over which individuals have little control. Policy makers in health and environment agencies, as well as leaders in various industries, are facing growing demands –and expectations to address this problem.’’



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