When we think about urology care, we often focus on personal risk factors like age, genetics, hydration, and lifestyle choices. But increasingly, researchers and healthcare providers are recognizing the significant impact of environmental factors on urological health. Here, we'll cover some of the most notable connections between the two and how you can take steps to reduce your risk.
Here are a few things you'll learn:
- How water contamination (e.g., arsenic, lead, PFAS) increases the risk of kidney damage, bladder issues, and urological cancers
- The effects of air pollution (PM2.5, VOCs) on kidney and bladder function through systemic inflammation and oxidative stress
- Common household and personal products that may expose you to endocrine disruptors and harmful chemicals affecting urinary health
- The role of PFAS ("forever chemicals") in everyday items and their link to kidney and bladder cancer
- Why certain occupations (industrial, agricultural, firefighting) carry higher urological health risks due to toxic exposures
- How climate change, including heat waves, pollution, and natural disasters, can lead to dehydration, kidney stones, UTIs, and disrupted care
- Actionable prevention tips to reduce your environmental exposure and support long-term urological health
Different Environmental Factors That Can Impact Urological Health
According to the American Urological Association (AUA), new studies have revealed compelling links between certain everyday exposures and urinary health. Some of the most notable environmental factors to consider include the following:
Water Quality and Contaminants
Several different types of water contaminants can be harmful to human health, especially concerning urology. These pollutants can contaminate water supplies due to industrial waste, mining, manufacturing, agricultural runoff, improper disposal of materials, and aging infrastructure. Some contaminants that have been shown to increase cancer risk and cause disruptions to your overall health include:
- Arsenic: Linked to bladder, kidney, and prostate cancer, along with chronic kidney damage.
- Lead: Associated with reduced kidney function and chronic kidney disease.
- Cadmium: Builds up in the kidneys and can cause nephrotoxicity and protein loss.
- Mercury: Toxic to kidneys and may impair renal function over time.
- Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI): Known bladder carcinogen and urinary tract irritant.
- Nitrates/Nitrites: Potential link to kidney damage and urinary cancers with long-term exposure.
- Perchlorate: Disrupts thyroid function and may indirectly affect urinary hormone balance.
- Pharmaceutical Residues: Can affect urinary hormone balance and antimicrobial resistance.
Air Pollution
Although the connection between air pollution and urological cancer is still largely unknown, correlations do exist. More research is required, but as of now, many experts speculate that fine particles (PM2.5) and exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can play a significant role in your overall health.
PM2.5 are tiny airborne particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller, 30 times smaller than a strand of human hair. These can come from carbon emissions, construction, and even car exhausts, but due to their size, they can bypass the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and trigger inflammation throughout the body.
VOCs are carbon-based chemicals that can easily evaporate into the air, leading to both short-term respiratory symptoms and long-term health risks. Some VOCs are known carcinogens, which may result in hormone disruption and problems with the urinary system.
Chemical Exposure From Everyday Products
The products we use daily can also increase the prevalence of certain urological conditions, especially after long-term exposure. The most common everyday sources of harmful chemicals include things like:
- Plastic food containers and canned foods (BPA)
- Personal care products with synthetic fragrances or dyes
- Household cleaning sprays and air fresheners
- Nonstick pans and stain-resistant fabrics (PFAS)
- Industrial solvents or gasoline exposure
Ongoing exposure to these types of products can lead to things like:
- Endocrine disruption
- Kidney toxicity
- Increased cancer risk
- Urinary tract infections and general irritation
- Oxidative stress and tissue damage
- Immune suppression
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manufactured chemicals used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products for their multi-resistant properties. They're sometimes referred to as "forever chemicals" due to the fact that they take a very long time to break down in both the environment and the human body. Recently, it was found that PFAS are now in several municipal water sources and are associated with an increased risk of urological cancers, specifically kidney and bladder cancer.
Occupational Exposures
Several jobs put individuals at an increased risk for urological health issues, especially industrial or manufacturing positions. Typically, however, you'll know if you have a high-exposure job and will be briefed on how to take the appropriate protective measures (e.g., wearing PPE, following safety protocols). Some of the most notable occupational hazards include:
- Exposure to industrial chemicals and solvents
- Heavy metal exposure on the job
- Diesel exhaust and airborne pollutants
- Regular contact with pesticides or herbicides
- Prolonged heat exposure and dehydration
- Contact with PFAS and firefighting foam
- Inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
The Link Between Climate Change and Urological Diseases or Conditions
Climate change is more than just an environmental issue; it’s increasingly recognized as a public health concern, and the urinary system is not immune to its effects. Rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifts in water quality and availability are all contributing to an increase in certain urological conditions, especially among vulnerable populations.
Rising Temperatures and Dehydration Risk
One of the most notable impacts of climate change is the increased risk of dehydration due to rising temperatures. As cities become hotter and more humid, it’s easier to get dehydrated, resulting in more concentrated. Since both dehydration and high temperatures can increase the risk of kidney stones, this could create wide ripple effects in vulnerable populations throughout the world.
How Air Pollution Affects Environmental Health
Air pollution can also affect urological health, especially regarding kidney and bladder health. Inhaling an increased number of PM2.5 and VOCs can trigger systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which can damage kidney tissue over time. They can also affect bladder health. These risks are more serious for urban residents, industrial workers, and people who live near highways and factories, but as pollution increases, it could become more widespread.
Natural Disasters and Disrupted Water Supply
Climate-related disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and droughts can directly and indirectly affect urological health, especially when they compromise water quality or access to healthcare. The use of telemedicine could help during periods where individuals may not be able to see their doctor in person, but there are still limitations.
Environmental factors like air pollution, extreme temperatures, natural disasters, and water contamination are increasingly recognized as contributors to urological diseases and conditions. Although climate change cannot be stopped by one person alone, there are several things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your exposure to environmental risk factors.
Urological Care Tips: Can You Reduce Your Environmental Risks?
While some environmental elements may be out of your control, there are still things you can do to reduce your risk factors. Some tips to help live a more sustainable life that contributes to better patient outcomes for everyone in the world include the following:
- Drink filtered water. Use certified water filters that remove heavy metals, PFAS, and other contaminants. And stay informed about local water quality reports and advisories.
- Choose BPA- and phthalate-free products. Avoid plastic bottles and food containers labeled with recycling codes 3 or 7. Opt for glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic alternatives.
- Limit consumption of highly processed or packaged foods. Reduce exposure to food packaging materials that may leach harmful chemicals. Eat fresh, whole foods whenever possible.
- Avoid using nonstick cookware with PFAS coatings. Instead, switch to ceramic, stainless steel, or cast iron pans. Check for “PFOA-free” labels on cookware.
- Ventilate your home regularly. Improve indoor air quality by using exhaust fans, HEPA filters, or opening windows. Avoid using air fresheners or scented cleaning products that emit VOCs.
- Be cautious with personal care and cleaning products. Choose fragrance-free or naturally scented products. Look for “phthalate-free” and “paraben-free” on labels.
- Practice safe lawn and garden care. Minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Use natural or organic alternatives when possible.
- Use protective gear in high-exposure jobs. If you work around industrial chemicals, solvents, or dust, wear proper PPE. Follow workplace safety protocols to minimize long-term exposure.
- Stay hydrated, especially in hot weather. Prevent kidney stones and urinary tract issues by maintaining proper fluid intake. Avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages that can contribute to dehydration.
- Support environmental regulations and public health policies. Advocate for clean air and water standards in your community. Support companies and organizations committed to reducing environmental toxins.
- Dispose of medications properly. Don’t flush unused drugs; use pharmacy take-back programs instead to help prevent pharmaceutical contamination of the water supply.
Sustainability plays a big part in the relationship between urology and population health, but there are also other factors at play. The best way to take control of your health is to regularly see your doctor and address any symptoms as soon as possible. Early detection and intervention are some of the best ways to mitigate further complications, especially regarding urological cancers. If you are diagnosed, your doctor will help you determine the best course of treatment, including an array of urological supplies. To make the process easier, order your urological products from Byram Healthcare today.
