Kidney health: Doctor warns of scents linked to renal failure

Nephrologist Hung Yung-hsiang has issued warnings regarding specific scents and environmental odors that may contribute to kidney failure. According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, approximately 850 million people currently live with kidney failure complications, and chronic kidney disease is projected to become one of the top five leading causes of death by 2040.

Dr. Hung warns that certain familiar smells contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), plasticizers, or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can severely damage the excretory system. Two specific risks identified include:

1. Tobacco smoke: Both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes contain toxins and heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and nickel. Passive inhalation can cause small blood vessels leading to the kidneys to constrict and harden, reducing blood flow and destroying renal tubule cells.

2. High-temperature cooking oils: The aroma from frying or sautéing food at high temperatures is often a byproduct of decomposing oils rich in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Continuous inhalation of these substances can trigger severe oxidative stress in the body.