Relationship between renal function and metal exposure of residents living near the No. 6 Naphtha Cracking Complex: A cross-sectional study
Journal
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association
Journal Volume
120
Journal Issue
10
Pages
1845-1854
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Heavy metals impair renal function, causing chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the petrochemical industry is one of the major environmental metal emission sources. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between renal function and metal exposure among the Taiwanese residents living near a petrochemical industry site. METHODS: We recruited residents near the No. 6 Naphtha Cracking Complex, and they were categorized into a high-exposure (HE) group (N = 190) in Taisi Village and a low-exposure (LE) group (N = 1184) in other villages of Dacheng Township in Changhua County of Taiwan. The urinary nickel, chromium, and vanadium levels of the study subjects were measured and the levels were standardized by urine creatinine, and the estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) were calculated to estimate renal function by one-time health data. Linear regression models were applied to illustrate the correlations between the distance to the complex and urinary metal levels and renal function; linear and logistic regression models were applied to evaluate the associations between urinary metal levels and renal function indicators. RESULTS: . CONCLUSION: Residents living closer to the petrochemical industry were exposed to higher metal levels and had worse renal function, and the nickel exposure of residents was potentially related to their decline in renal function.
Publisher
Elsevier B.V.
Type
journal article