Exposure to workplace dust and particles may heighten the likelihood of chronic kidney disease, according to new research. A study focusing on Swedish construction workers, monitored since the 1970s, found that those exposed had a 15% greater risk.
According to a study from the University of Gothenburg, exposure to dust and particles in the workplace could raise the risk of chronic kidney disease. Among Swedish construction workers tracked since the 1970s, those exposed were found to have a 15% increased risk.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most prevalent type of kidney disease and involves a gradual decline in the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the body. This leads to the retention of harmful substances and fluids that should be expelled through urine.
Recent studies have indicated that particles from outdoor air pollution—stemming from sources like industries, vehicle emissions, and heating—can elevate the risk of CKD. This new research suggests that similar risks are present for workers in the construction industry who are exposed to particulate matter.
Karl Kilbo Edlund, a PhD candidate in occupational and environmental medicine at the Sahlgrenska Academy, is the lead author of the study:
“There’s a clear connection between working in construction environments with high levels of dust and the increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease before turning 65. However, additional research is needed to determine whether there’s a direct cause-and-effect relationship and to explore the biological mechanisms behind this,” he states.
The need for prevention
Published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, this study utilized data from over 280,000 construction workers who participated in health surveys between 1971 and 1993, conducted by Bygghälsan, a former occupational health service for the construction sector.
The findings indicate that construction workers exposed to dust and particles face approximately a 15% higher likelihood of being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and needing medical treatment for kidney function loss. Nevertheless, this increased risk does not extend beyond retirement age.
The study is part of a broader research initiative examining the relationship between particulate exposure and kidney disease, funded by the Swedish Research Council Forte, which focuses on health, working conditions, and societal welfare. Leo Stockfelt, Associate Professor of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, leads the project:
“Chronic kidney disease significantly affects an individual’s quality of life, raises the chances of additional health problems, and incurs substantial healthcare expenses. Thus, primary prevention is crucial,” he remarks.
Enhancing occupational health and safety
Improvements in workplace emissions and implementing personal protective equipment have led to reduced exposure of construction workers to particulate matter from the 1970s to the 1990s. Researchers believe this has contributed to the decreased incidence of kidney disease; however, they emphasize that more efforts are necessary to enhance the occupational environment within the construction field.
This study is pioneering in its investigation of kidney disease risk among construction workers, utilizing registry data from Bygghälsan. This data, managed by Umeå University, has been employed in several earlier studies concerning occupational health within the construction industry.
The research team’s next step will be to further explore the connection between exposure to dust and particles and kidney disease in additional participant groups, aiming to validate the findings and better understand the underlying mechanisms.
