Abstract: SA-PO1131
Occupational Air Pollution Exposure and Kidney Dysfunction: A Cross-Sectional Study of Professional Drivers from North India
Session Information
- CKD: Progression, Drugs, Modalities, and Environmental Factors
November 08, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: CKD (Non-Dialysis)
- 2301 CKD (Non-Dialysis): Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Authors
- Gupta, Anish Kumar, Max Super Speciality Hospital Saket, New Delhi, DL, India
- Singh, Prof Narinder Pal, Max Super Speciality Hospital Saket, New Delhi, DL, India
- Khullar, Dinesh, Max Super Speciality Hospital Saket, New Delhi, DL, India
- Jamdagni, Vipin, SGT University, Gurugram, HR, India
- Singh, Abhishek, Max Super Speciality Hospital Saket, New Delhi, DL, India
- Singh, Kulwant, Max Super Speciality Hospital Saket, New Delhi, DL, India
- Grover, Rahul, Max Super Speciality Hospital Saket, New Delhi, DL, India
- Kumar, Deepak, Max Super Speciality Hospital Saket, New Delhi, DL, India
Background
Emerging evidence links traffic-related pollutants associated with reduced eGFR, increased CKD prevalence. Delhi, India, ranked as the world’s most polluted city, presents a unique setting to study this association. Auto-rickshaw drivers, due to higher outdoor exposure, inhale 10–15% more pollutants daily than taxi drivers, who experience more indoor exposure. This study evaluates the impact of air pollution on renal health and identifies associated risk factors.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 2650 male drivers(1422 auto-rickshaw and 1228 taxi drivers) were selected using simple random sampling techniques. Participants underwent evaluation for CKD risk factors, lab investigations (SCr, Hb, uric acid, urinalysis). Low eGFR was defined as eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73m2 (CKD-EPI). Occupational exposure duration (years of driving) was correlated with kidney function.
Results
Mean age and BMI of participants were 40.3±9.9 yr and 25.0±4.4 kg/m2. Mean eGFR was significantly lower in auto-rickshaw drivers than taxi drivers(98.5±23.4vs110.5±18.5;p0.01). Low eGFR was common among auto-rickshaw drivers(7.7%) than taxi drivers(2.6%). Kidney function declined progressively with longer occupational exposure, particularly in auto-rickshaw drivers, after adjusting for confounding factors such as age, comorbidities, and substance use. Drivers with ≥20 yrs of experience showed a higher proportion of low eGFR, especially in auto-rickshaw. Proteinuria(≥30mg/dL) was present in 15.7%. A follow-up evaluation in 610 individuals confirmed CKD in 2.9%. Substantial burden of lifestyle factors was seen: hypertension(30.2%), diabetes(12%), obesity(46.8%), tobacco(32.4%), alcohol(30.8%), and NSAID(6%) use, all of which may exacerbate renal impairment.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that prolonged exposure to occupational factors, especially air pollution, may contribute to declining kidney function, with auto-rickshaw drivers experiencing a greater impact.
Funding
- Government Support – Non-U.S.