Air Pollution Can Harm Your Kidneys

Polluted air has long been linked to major health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A new study based on data from nearly 2.5 million people now adds kidney disease to the list. According to the researchers, the adverse effects increase as pollution levels increase, but even relatively low amounts of particulate matter (which can include bits of dirt, dust, smoke, and soot) may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease and ultimately contribute to kidney failure. If you live in an area with poor air quality, be on the lookout for early signs of kidney disease.

They include foamy or bloody urine, itchy skin, puffy eyes, muscle cramps, unusual fatigue, and swollen feet, hands, or ankles. Photograph by