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Occupational exposures and chronic kidney disease: Possible associations with endotoxin and ultrafine particles

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) carries a high public health burden yet there is limited research on occupational factors, which are examined in this retrospective case-control study. METHODS: Newly diagnosed cases of CKD (n = 547) and controls (n = 508) from North Carolina provided detailed work histories in telephone interviews. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: There was heterogeneity in the association of CKD and agricultural work, with crop production associated with increased risk and work with livestock associated with decreased risk. Work with cutting/cooling/lubricating oils was associated with a reduced risk. CKD risk was increased for working in dusty conditions. CONCLUSIONS: CKD risk was reduced in subjects with occupational exposures previously reported to involve endotoxin exposure. Further, exposure to dusty conditions was consistently associated with increased risk of glomerulonephritis across industry, suggesting that research on CKD and ultrafine particulates is needed.

Source: American Journal of Industrial Medicine

DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22541

Authors: Todd R. Sponholtz, Dale P. Sandler, Christine G. Parks, Katie M. Applebaum

Institutions: Boston University, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Harvard University, George Washington University

Language: English

Topic: Occupational Health and Safety in Workplaces

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences