Abstract:Rising temperatures and heat waves, driven by climate change, are putting the safety and health of workers worldwide at risk. This is particularly true for outdoor laborers, whose exposure to extreme heat has become a significant social determinant of health, leading to long-term health consequences and even death. Heat significantly impacts cardiovascular health and increases the risk of heart-related issues. For example in Nepal – which is a sending country of workers to the gulf states, we have observed that in the fiscal year 2020/21 alone, 1,242 Nepali workers lost their lives due to cardiovascular diseases, heat-related illnesses, workplace injuries, and falls many of these deaths linked to rising ambient wet-bulb globe temperatures Heat stress, resulting from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, is also increasingly recognized as a cause of kidney failure. Workers in hot environments, such as agriculture and construction, frequently experience excessive sweating and dehydration. This reduces blood volume, which in turn decreases blood flow to the kidneys, potentially leading to acute kidney injury. In response to dehydration, the body produces hormones that make the kidneys reabsorb more water, concentrating the urine and further increasing the risk of kidney damage. Heat stress also prompts the production of harmful molecules that cause inflammation and damage to kidney tissues. These factors contribute to the rise of a type of kidney disease not linked to traditional causes like diabetes or high blood pressure. Known as chronic kidney disease of non-traditional origin (CKD-nT), this condition increasingly affects workers exposed to heat stress worldwide. CKD already affects roughly 10% of the global population and is a major burden on global health and economies. It is the 10th leading cause of death worldwide and the third fastest-growing cause. Climate change and the increasing prevalence of CKD-nT among workers worldwide will add to this existing burden.
Keywords: Migration and Health, Climate Change, Heat, Migrant Workers
