WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ON THIS TOPIC

Increasing evidence suggests an association between ambient air pollution and chronic kidney disease, however, this has not been exhaustively investigated in an occupational setting.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

In a large cohort of construction workers, we find evidence for an association between particle exposure and an increased risk of kidney disease during working age.

HOW THIS STUDY MIGHT AFFECT RESEARCH, PRACTICE OR POLICY

Our findings emphasise the need to consider kidney disease in risk assessments and warrant efforts to reduce both occupational and ambient particle exposure.

Conclusions Workers exposed to inorganic particles seem to be at elevated risk of CKD and RRT. Our results are in line with previous evidence of renal effects of ambient air pollution and warrant further efforts to reduce occupational and ambient particle exposure.