Chronic kidney ailments in NCP:

Nephrotoxic heavy metals, key causative factor

Disna MUDALIGE

A latest research out by the Health Ministry with the technical support of the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that one of the key causative factors for the mystery chronic

kidney ailments suffered by people in the North Central Province is co exposure to low concentration of Nephrotoxic heavy metals.

Nephrotoxic heavy metals include cadmium and arsenic. The Health Ministry spokesman said the results have also revealed that about 15 percent of people in the North Central Province have been affected by chronic kidney diseases.

These cases were also reported from Giradurukotte in Badulla district and Nikawewa in Kurunegala district which belong to the Uva and North Western Provinces respectively.

Research has revealed that heavy metals enter the body mainly through the food chain and possibly also through air pollution. It also revealed that water is not the source of this exposure. However, according to the study, improving water quality and lowering the current levels of heavy metals in soil can help to reduce the body burden of heavy metals. It also stated that prevention of indiscriminate use of fertilizer and certain pesticides which harm kidney properties can help to protect the vulnerable segments of the population.

This research was launched in 2009 to investigate the magnitude and cause of chronic kidney diseases with a view to developing appropriate preventive strategies.

The spokesman said this comprehensive national research is still ongoing. The National Science Foundation and WHO are funding for the research initiative. Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena yesterday convened a high level meeting of the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Social Services, Irrigation and Water Resources Management, Indegenous Medicine and Science and Technology to discuss immediate and long term remedial measures to address the situation. These research findings were presented during this meeting.

He said a technical report on the findings of the research would be published in the coming few months.