Artificial Chemicals Linked to Chronic Kidney Diseases: Study Reveals Impact of PFAS on Kidney Health
An estimated one in ten people globally suffers from chronic kidney disease (CKD), leading to fluid and waste accumulation in the body. A recent study has identified a key factor contributing to the rise in kidney-related disorders.
The study reveals that perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—human-made chemicals—are damaging to kidney health. Conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California, the study found that PFAS affect gut bacteria, which, in turn, harm kidney function.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS are chemicals widely used in manufacturing products like furniture, food packaging, and non-stick cookware. Known as “forever chemicals,” they take an exceptionally long time to degrade in nature. Previous studies have linked these chemicals to health risks, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The new research shows that they are also detrimental to kidney health.
The Study and Its Findings
The study examined 78 individuals aged between 17 and 22 over a four-year period. Researchers analyzed blood and stool samples to measure PFAS levels and studied the bacterial composition in the participants’ gut.
Four years later, the kidney function of the participants was reassessed. Results showed that higher levels of PFAS exposure led to a 2.4% decline in kidney function.
The study also discovered that PFAS exposure caused changes in gut bacteria, reducing the population of beneficial bacteria while increasing the harmful ones. These microbial imbalances negatively impact kidney health.
How PFAS Affect Kidney Function
The researchers noted that PFAS exposure triggers inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which may impair kidney function. The findings suggest a significant link between these chemicals and kidney health, but the researchers emphasize the need for further large-scale studies to confirm these results.
The study underscores the widespread presence of PFAS, with traces found in the blood of nearly every individual, posing risks to overall health in multiple ways.
The research findings were published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.
