Climate Change May Contribute to Rising Rates of CKD
Article posted in: Kidney Health

Climate Change May Contribute to Rising Rates of Chronic Kidney Disease

Climate change may be accelerating rates of chronic kidney disease by way of increased dehydration rates and incidences of heat-related difficulties. According to the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, this could become a major cause of poor kidney health in the future. As worldwide temperatures progressively rise, scientists have observed a pattern in which rural communities with higher median temperatures are displaying a greater risk of poor kidney health. Agricultural workers are at an even higher risk as well as, more vulnerable populations and those that primarily work outdoors.

In order for outdoor workers and at-risk populations to better understand and potentially stave off the threat of climate-related CKD, the government and scientific community must work in unison to document the gravity of the situation and, if necessary, improve overall conditions for these at-risk workers. Although this could very easily spiral into an epidemic in the near future due to the expansive nature of global warming, there are some preventative tips that at-risk populations can avail themselves of. Chiefly, ensuring proper hydration is maintained at all times and a well-ventilated environment is provided, whether at work or home.