By: Emily Vo, Computer Science ‘25
In recent years, the global surge in chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not only become a pressing health concern but has also found an unexpected intersection in climate justice. Investigating the complex interplay between CKD, environmental factors, and vulnerable populations has unearthed critical insights into the health challenges faced by communities, particularly those in rural settings.
An article entitled Chronic kidney disease may be “black lung of climate change” examines the profound impact of climate change on the rising prevalence of CKD worldwide. As temperatures soar and pollution escalates, the link between environmental stressors and kidney diseases becomes increasingly evident. This intersection reveals a concerning trend where vulnerable populations, already grappling with health disparities, face heightened risks. The article underscores the urgency of adopting a comprehensive approach to address the dual challenges posed by CKD and climate-related health risks.
An illuminating study, detailed by an assistant professor in environmental health at SDSU Public Health, zooms in on the specific challenges faced by farmer populations. This research investigates the environmental factors influencing kidney health in agricultural communities. Pesticide exposure, occupational hazards, and, notably, heat stress emerged as significant contributors to CKD in these populations. By unraveling the environmental intricacies, the study aims to inform targeted interventions and policies tailored to improve kidney health among farmers, exemplifying the critical need for context-specific strategies.
Further corroborating this narrative is a research article from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, focusing on the relationship between heat stress and CKD in agricultural workers. The study delves into the physiological mechanisms linking heat stress to the development and progression of CKD. Agricultural workers, often laboring in hot climates, bear a disproportionate burden of occupational risks. The findings underscore the imperative for occupational health measures and policy interventions to alleviate the impact of heat stress on kidney health, particularly in vulnerable populations residing in rural areas.
These collective insights highlight the urgent call to action. As CKD continues its relentless rise, exacerbated by the changing climate and occupational hazards, addressing health inequalities becomes paramount. Rural communities, often at the intersection of environmental stressors and limited healthcare access, emerge as focal points for intervention. Tailored public health initiatives, informed by rigorous research, can bridge the gaps in understanding and implementation, ultimately safeguarding the kidney health of those most vulnerable. The synthesis of knowledge from these diverse sources propels us toward a future where CKD is not only treated but prevented, especially in the face of climate change and its impact on our most marginalized communities.
References
Baker, A. (2023, August 9). Chronic kidney disease may be “black lung of climate change.” Time. https://time.com/6303020/chronic-kidney-disease-climate-change/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Factors related to decreased kidney function in migrant farm workers revealed. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://factor.niehs.nih.gov/2022/1/papers/dert
Kshirsagar, A. V., Zeitler, E. M., Weaver, A., Franceschini, N., & Engel, L. S. (2022). Environmental exposures and kidney disease. Kidney360, 3(12), 2174–2182. https://doi.org/10.34067/kid.0007962021
Domislović, M. (2022). Chronic kidney disease in rural population. Acta Clinica Croatica. https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2022.61.02.09
Temple, MD, K. M. (2022, June 15). Staving off one’s mortality: Rural kidney health and its disparities. The Rural Monitor. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/rural-monitor/rural-kidney-health
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