8282966 Non-malignant kidney diseases in Danish firefighters

<h3>Objectives</h3> Firefighters are exposed to various chemical and physical hazards, including physically demanding tasks performed in high-temperature environments. These exposures may elevate the risk of developing kidney diseases. However, current evidence supporting this link is limited. This study aimed to examine the association between firefighting and the occurrence of non-malignant kidney diseases. <h3>Methods</h3> A cohort of 10,094 male Danish firefighters was analyzed. Data on kidney diseases diagnoses from 1994 to 2014 were obtained from the nationwide Danish National Patient Registry. Morbidity among firefighters was compared to that of a reference sample from the general male employed population. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate relative risks. <h3>Results</h3> For full-time firefighters, a positive association was observed for urolithiasis (SIR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.13–1.63). Short-term employment (&lt;5 years) was associated with elevated risks of glomerulonephritis and chronic kidney disease, whereas longer-term employment (≥5 years) showed a reduced risk for most non-malignant kidney outcomes, except urolithiasis, which remained consistently elevated. In contrast, part-time and volunteer firefighters generally exhibited lower risk estimates for the kidney diseases assessed. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Our findings suggest increased risks of specific non-malignant kidney diseases among full-time firefighters, particularly urolithiasis. These results may underscore the importance of maintaining adequate hydration, especially in the context of extreme heat exposure experienced during firefighting activities. Further studies on non-malignant kidney diseases are warranted to explore eventual occupational hazards in this profession.