Renal Injury Due To Environmental Pollution

Renal refers to kidneys and renal injury is the damage to kidneys rendering them unable to perform their function of wastage and the purification of blood. Renal injury may result due to exposure to harsh living conditions as well as pollution in the environment.

Renal Functions

The function of kidneys may be referred to as renal function. If you have 2 kidneys working perfectly, your renal system is healthy. However, if you have reduced renal function it may cause problems.

The kidneys help in collecting and secretion of the waste products from the body. It the kidney would not perform this function; the waste will accumulate in the blood and cause problems.

The kidneys also help in the correct measuring of sodium, phosphorus and potassium and send them back to blood, thus regulating the body’s balance of chemicals.

Environmental Pollution

Due to advanced technology and industries pollution is spreading very fast. The smoke from the cars as well as chemical wastage from factories is responsible for causing renal injury.

Constant presence of such factors can have serious effects on one’s health causing damage to kidneys and hindering in their performance.

Heavy metals such as lead and chromium are responsible for contaminating air. The sources of heavy metals are combustion of fuel and waste.

Renal Injuries Caused by Environmental Pollution

Kidneys are sensitive organs of the body and are susceptible to various environmental elements that pollute the air. Thus it has been found that many chemicals and drugs have been responsible for renal injury.

• Lead is one such heavy metal found in paints as well as industrial facilities involved in handling batteries. It can reach human body by inhaling or drink water containing traces of lead. It interferes with the performances of kidney and central nervous system.
• Chromium and Cadmium are found in metal alloys and pigments for paints, cement, rubber and other materials. Long term exposure can cause kidney damage.
• Chlorobenzene is another environmental agent that causes injury to kidneys. It is used in the manufacture of dyestuffs and pesticides. Its inhalation can lead to renal injury.
• Chloroform is another agent used in water and air as a solvent that is injurious to kidneys.
• Xylele is another matter used in perfumes and insect repellent as well as in leather goods. Used as solvent in inks, dyes, cement and varnish, it makes kidneys its main target.
• Tetrachloroethylene is used as solvent in greasing agents and dry cleaning and its inhalation leads to renal injury.

How to Avoid Renal Injury Due To Environmental Pollution

• Even though these polluting agents are present in the environment, they can be avoided by trying not to inhale them and by using things that contain them in lesser quantities.
• Wear mask if you work in a sensitive area so as to avoid inhaling them.
• When buying things of daily use check the label for the harmful agents.
• Always drink purified water.
• Avoid going to places where fuels are handled.

It can be said that avoiding these harmful agents is not easy but to save oneself from renal injury and avoid further consequences, one has to take precautionary measures to avoid environmental pollution.