Abstract

Environmental Nephrology: A new discipline that not only explores the interrelations between exposure to the environment and kidney health but also considers the impact of renal health care practices on the environment. Rising evidence suggests that air pollution, heavy metal exposure, agrochemicals, global warming, and water pollution represent important risk factors for acute kidney injuries (AKI) and chronic kidney diseases (CKD). On the other hand, renal health care practices, especially those involving hemodialysis, represent highly water, plastic, and carbon-intensive activities that contribute considerably to water pollution, plastic pollution, as well as increased carbon emissions. This narrative review presents a comprehensive overview of evidence on the environmental determinants of kidney diseases, as well as an assessment of the ecological footprints of kidney replacement therapies, namely hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, as well as kidney transplantation, among populations worldwide. In addition, this article presents a comprehensive look at Green Nephrology, case examples, challenges, as well as future perspectives on the integration of concepts of planetary health within Nephrology practices.

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