Cleaner Air May Help Protect Kidney Health, Study Finds

News Desk

Islamabad: Efforts to reduce air pollution could bring benefits beyond improving breathing conditions, with new research suggesting that cleaner air may also contribute to better kidney function.

A study by researchers from King’s College London found that lowering exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), tiny air pollution particles that can enter deep into the body, was linked to measurable improvements in kidney health indicators.

The findings, published in the journal Health Data Science, suggest that reducing air pollution levels could play a role in preventing the decline of kidney function, particularly among populations exposed to polluted environments for long periods.

Researchers examined health records and laboratory data of 5,115 adults, analysing changes in kidney-related indicators between 2011 and 2015. The study compared kidney function with long-term exposure to PM2.5 levels recorded through environmental databases.

The research team found that a reduction of 10 micrograms per cubic metre in PM2.5 exposure was associated with improvements in several kidney health markers. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a key measure of kidney performance, increased, while levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and uric acid, both indicators linked to kidney health, showed reductions.

Researchers said the findings provide stronger evidence that air pollution is not only a respiratory concern but may also contribute to wider health problems, including kidney disease.

Yiqun Han, Research Associate at Imperial College London and co-author of the study, said previous research had linked long-term PM2.5 exposure with reduced kidney function, but the latest findings provide further evidence of a possible cause-and-effect relationship.

Air pollution has already been associated with increased risks of chronic kidney disease, heart problems, respiratory illnesses, metabolic disorders, and other health conditions. Experts say even relatively low levels of pollution exposure can contribute to gradual damage over time.

Researchers stressed the need for faster action to improve air quality, saying cleaner environments could reduce healthcare burdens and improve overall public health, including protection against kidney-related illnesses.

The study highlights that tackling air pollution may offer benefits across multiple areas of health, making environmental improvement a key factor in disease prevention.