Exposure to dust and particles at work may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease, a new study shows. Among Swedish construction workers, followed since the 1970s, the risk was 15% higher among exposed.

Chronic kidney disease is the most common form of kidney disease and involves a slow and progressive deterioration of the kidneys’ ability to cleanse the body.

Harmful substances and fluids that would otherwise have been excreted from the body with the urine are instead retained.

Research in recent years shows that outdoor air pollution particles from sources such as industry, vehicle exhaust and heating may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease.

The current study shows that this is also likely to be the case for occupational exposure to particles in the construction industry.

We see a clear link between having worked in construction environments with high dust levels and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease before the age of 65. But further studies are required to show whether there is a causal link and to identify the biological mechanisms.

  • Yer Ma
    4•21 days ago

    I was a mechanic for a while, every night i would get home and wash black mucous from my sinuses… I could only imagine what was remaining in my lungs. That was even when i wore n95 during brake work and other more extreme exposures