Taiwan: A large-scale study from Taiwan has found compelling evidence that exposure to commonair pollutants, particularlycarbon monoxide(CO) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is strongly linked to declining kidney function. Published in the journalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation,the study was conducted by Dr. Chung-Yi Li and colleagues from the Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan. Chronic kidney disease (CKD)is a growing global public health challenge, and while traditional risk factors like hypertension and diabetes are well-known, environmental factors such as air pollution are gaining attention as contributors to kidney damage. This study aimed to investigate whether air pollution exposure could hasten kidney function decline, defined by reductions of 30% or more, or 40% or more, in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Researchers utilized a nested case-control design drawing on data from Taiwan Adult Preventive Healthcare Services and National Health Insurance claims, covering the period from 2016 to 2021. The study analysed a large cohort of over 871,000 adults who had participated in routine health checkups. Cases were the individuals whose eGFR declined by ≥30% or ≥40% from baseline. They were matched with control participants based on age, sex, initial kidney function, and follow-up duration. The team evaluated participants' exposure to six major air pollutants—PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O₃)—over varying periods (1, 2, 3, and 5 years) before the recorded kidney function decline. These exposure levels were estimated using land-use regression models combined with machine learning techniques to ensure precise data mapping. The following were the notable findings of the study: The researchers concluded that ambient air pollution—especially CO and PM2.5—may play a critical role in accelerating kidney damage. These findings emphasize the urgent need for environmental health interventions and policy measures aimed at reducing pollutant levels to help curb the growing burden of chronic kidney disease. Wu, J., Chang, Y., Lee, P., Cheng, Y., Yu, T., Wong, P., Da Wu, C., Chen, P., & Li, C. Association between exposure to air pollution and kidney function decline. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation. https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfaf143