A work and off-work evaluation of female workers’ heat and particulate matter exposures and kidney health in Guatemala - 25/01/25
, Diana Jaramillo a, b, Lyndsay Krisher a, b, Karely Villarreal Hernandez a, Laura Calvimontes c, Miranda Dally a, b, Yaqiang Li a, b, Katherine A. James a, b, d, Richard J. Johnson e, Daniel Pilloni f, Alex Cruz f, Joshua Schaeffer c, John Adgate b, Lee S. Newman a, b, d, g
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Abstract |
Background |
An increasing number of women are performing farm labor in agrarian societies due to the out-migration of men impacted by the effects of climate change. Thus, it is important to understand how changing climatic conditions affect women's risk of occupational heat stress and other health issues.
Methods |
For this longitudinal pilot study, we characterized repeat individual-level particulate matter (PM5, aerodynamic diameter of ≤ 5 micrometers) and heat exposures and measured kidney function markers during workdays and rest days among female sugarcane workers in Guatemala. We used logistic mixed models with repeated measures to evaluate associations between kidney function and exposures.
Results |
We observed that 45 % of the workers had reduced kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2) during the study. Levels of dehydration based on a urinary specific gravity >1.020 (28 %), acidic urine (30 %), and low potassium levels (31 %) were common. Environmental exposures (PM5 and heat index) were significantly higher on workdays compared to rest days. Reduced kidney function was associated with increasing median heat index (odds ratio [OR]: 1.63, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.29–2.08), low urine pH (OR: 4.21, 95 % CI: 1.08–16.40), and municipal drinking water source (OR: 6.52, 95 % CI: 1.23–34.57).
Discussion |
The results from this study suggest that repeated occupational exposure to high levels of heat contributes to a reduction in renal function among these workers.
Conclusions |
These findings can inform preventive strategies to better address women's health in the workplace, such as reducing heat stress and dehydration.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Graphical abstract |
Highlights |
• | Climatic changes are affecting the health and wellbeing of populations in Latin America and the goal of this pilot study is to characterize multiple climate hazards and health impacts to inform future research and interventions. |
• | In this study, we observed exposures to elevated levels of particulate matter and heat index, both on and off-work, among a female worker population in Guatemala. |
• | These findings show relationships between increasing heat index and declines in markers of kidney function among female agricultural workers. |
• | This study supports the need for gender-responsive preventive strategies in the workplace designed to reduce the risk of heat stress, dehydration, and kidney dysfunction. |
Keywords : Heat stress, Women, Climate change, Agriculture, Kidneys
Plan
Vol 22
Article 100408- mars 2025 Retour au numéro
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