A new scientific study has found that long-term exposure to air pollution may significantly increase the risk of chronic kidney disease, kidney failure and kidney-related deaths, raising fresh concerns about the broader health impact of poor air quality.
The research, conducted in São Paulo, Brazil, between 2011 and 2021, analysed health data from around 37,000 individuals to examine how polluted air affects kidney health. Researchers identified a direct association between worsening air quality and higher rates of kidney disease, emergency hospital admissions and fatal kidney conditions.
According to the findings, adults aged 19 to 50 showed a noticeable increase in kidney disease risk linked to pollution exposure. However, the impact was substantially greater among people aged 51 to 75, where the risk was nearly 2.5 times higher.
The study also found that men appeared to face a greater risk of kidney-related hospitalisation compared to women.
How air pollution affects the kidneys
Research professor Lucia Andrade said fine particulate matter from polluted air can enter the bloodstream and accumulate in kidney tissues.
According to the researchers, the body’s immune response to these particles may trigger inflammation, fibrosis and accelerated aging of kidney cells, increasing the likelihood of long-term damage.
Experts involved in the study noted that kidney disease often develops gradually without obvious symptoms, meaning many patients remain undiagnosed until serious complications emerge.
Pollution levels exceeded global recommendations
Researchers reported that average pollution levels recorded during the study period were nearly three times higher than limits recommended by the World Health Organization.
The study’s lead author, Iara da Silva, said the findings suggest kidney-related health risks may still exist even at pollution levels considered acceptable under international standards.
She called for stronger environmental regulations and public health measures aimed at reducing exposure to harmful air pollution.
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