Delhi-NCR air pollution: How it's damaging your kidneys, know from expert

It's that time of the air when cities in North India resemble a gas chamber as air quality deteriorates and citizens battle with multiple health hazards of pollution. AIR POLLUTION CAUSES DECLINE IN RENAL FUNCTION "The kidney is particularly vulnerable to toxic effects from environmental pollutants owing to its filtration functions; environmental and occupational exposures to pollutants remain common causes of kidney disease worldwide, especially in developing countries. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to particulate matter <2.5 μm in mean aerodynamic diameter is associated with increased risk of membranous nephropathy and more rapid decline in renal function," says Dr Sanjeev Gulati, President Elect, India Society of Nephrology, Principal Director, Nephrology and Kidney Transplant, Fortis Escorts, Okhla road, New Delhi. AIR POLLUTION WORSENS KIDNEY DISEASES A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology points to air pollution increasing risk of new cases of kidney disease, and quicker progression of CKD to dialysis. AIR POLLUTION INCREASES RISK OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE Studies in Taiwanese and Korean adults have also observed associations between higher PM air pollution levels and reduced renal function, and an increased risk of developing CKD.