Ecological Assessment of Environmental Cadmium Exposure and Its PotentialLink to Renal Dysfunction in Bauxite-Exposed Communities in Jamaica

Introduction:Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing health concern in Jamaica, especially in regions affected by bauxite mining. Cadmium (Cd), a nephrotoxic heavy metal naturally found in bauxite-rich soils, has been linked to renal dysfunction globally. However, the ecological relationship between cadmium exposure and CKD prevalence in Jamaica remains underexplored.Objectives:This study aimed to (1) compile cadmium concentration levels in soil and dust across Jamaica’s bauxite-producing regions, (2) examine the geographic distribution of CKD prevalence, (3) explore the ecological correlation between cadmium exposure and CKD, and (4) identify potential hotspot communities for future investigation.Methods and Materials:A cross-sectional ecological design was used, integrating cadmium concentration data from the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS) and CKD prevalence data from the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey III (2016-2017). Descriptive statistics, GIS-based mapping, and Pearson correlation analysis were used to assess spatial relationships and exposure-risk patterns.