The combustion of sugarcane and rice husks may release toxins associated with chronic kidney disease in agricultural workers, a recent investigation reveals. These findings augment existing factors like climate change and call for a reassessment of farming combustion techniques.
In a collaborative research effort, scientists from CU Anschutz partnered with medical professionals in El Salvador and found increased levels of silica nanoparticles in the kidney tissues of patients suffering from an unexplained kidney condition.
The study, recently published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, indicates that the burning of sugarcane and rice husks might be discharging a toxic substance that induces an enigmatic form of kidney disease in those working in agriculture.
A rising epidemic of chronic kidney disease has been noted among manual laborers in warm farming environments globally, including regions along the Pacific coast of Central America, India, and Sri Lanka. While factors such as heat stress and climate change are known contributors, the researchers have identified minuscule particles of silica emanating from the ash of burned sugarcane as potential agents causing chronic kidney impairment. These particles can be either inhaled or ingested through polluted water.
“To our knowledge, no prior studies have pinpointed a specific toxicant present in the kidney tissues of patients afflicted with this unidentified disease,” states Jared Brown, PhD, a professor at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and one of the senior authors of the paper. “These findings offer a crucial clue, suggesting that toxicants from sugarcane ash may also be exacerbating the condition, in addition to climate-induced heat stress.”
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Study Conclusions and Ramifications
Researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus joined forces with physicians at Hospital Rosales in San Salvador, El Salvador to examine patients stricken with this perplexing chronic kidney disease. The authors identified a markedly higher concentration of silica particles in the kidney tissue of patients with this specific illness as compared to those suffering from other recognized kidney diseases. The research implies that exposure to the ash from burned sugarcane, rich in amorphous silica nanoparticles, might be a contributing factor. The study also posits that individuals working in rice fields could be at risk, as the common practice of rice paddy burning can similarly release silica-infused ash.
“Although the data is preliminary, it enables us to infer that sugarcane burning could be contributing not only to climate change but also to the widespread disease affecting agricultural laborers,” remarks Richard Johnson, MD, a professor at CU Anschutz School of Medicine and another senior author of the study. “This ailment is distinguished as one of the first newly identified diseases arising specifically from a warming climate. We now understand that toxicants also play a role. We anticipate that this research will catalyze initiatives that concentrate on sugarcane burning as a potential risk element for the emergence of this enigmatic kidney disease in both workers and residents living near sugarcane fields.”
Reference
“Silica Nanoparticles and Mesoamerican Nephropathy: A Case Series” authored by Keegan L. Rogers, Carlos A. Roncal-Jimenez, Ricardo Leiva, Arthur Stem, Julia Wijkstrom, Lissbeth Serpas, Marvin A. González-Quiroz, Fumihiko Sasai, Annika Wernerson, Joshua Schaeffer, Jacob Fox, Matthew Ray, Anip Bansal, Manuel Urra, Jaime Butler-Dawson, Scott Lucia, Lee S. Newman, Jason Glaser, Richard J. Johnson, and Jared M. Brown was published on 23 October 2023 in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases. DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2023.06.010.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about chronic kidney disease in agricultural workers
What is the primary focus of the research study?
The primary focus of the research is to identify the potential causes of a mysterious form of chronic kidney disease affecting agricultural workers. The study particularly looks into the burning of sugarcane and rice husks as possible sources of toxicants that may contribute to the disease.
Who conducted the research?
The research was conducted by scientists from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in collaboration with medical professionals from Hospital Rosales in San Salvador, El Salvador.
What substances were identified as potential causes?
Silica nanoparticles were identified in elevated concentrations in the kidney tissues of patients suffering from this unexplained form of chronic kidney disease. These particles were associated with the ash from burned sugarcane and rice husks.
How does climate change factor into this research?
The study acknowledges that climate change, specifically heat stress, is a known contributor to this type of kidney disease. However, the findings suggest that toxicants from sugarcane and rice husk ash could be an additional contributing factor.
What are the implications of these findings?
The findings call for a reassessment of current agricultural burning practices, as they not only contribute to climate change but may also be causing chronic kidney disease in agricultural workers. Furthermore, the research could serve as a catalyst for additional studies to focus on sugarcane and rice husk burning as potential risk factors for this disease.
Are the findings conclusive?
While the data is considered preliminary, it provides a significant clue to the possible causes of this mysterious kidney disease. It opens the door for further research to corroborate these findings.
What regions are most affected by this chronic kidney disease?
The disease is notably prevalent among manual laborers in warm agricultural regions, including the Pacific coast of Central America, India, and Sri Lanka.
What are the recommended next steps based on the study?
The study recommends that future research should focus on sugarcane and rice husk burning as potential risk factors for the development of this mysterious kidney disease. It also suggests that efforts should be made to reevaluate and possibly modify existing farming combustion practices.
More about chronic kidney disease in agricultural workers
- American Journal of Kidney Diseases Original Study
- CU Anschutz Medical Campus Research
- Climate Change and Health
- World Health Organization on Chronic Kidney Disease
- Environmental Impact of Agricultural Burning
- Hospital Rosales in San Salvador
- Global Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease
- Toxicological Effects of Silica Nanoparticles
- Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture
- Farming Practices and Environmental Sustainability
