Abstract:
In this article, the current scientific evidence of Chronic Kidney disease with unknown
aetiology (CKDu), were critically reviewed and harnessed with other relevant literature
with a view to justify the possible causative reason(s) for this chronic health problem.
To this end, authors first reviewed the literature on socio-economic, environmental,
meteorological, health and geo-environmental/chemical aspects in relation to the
CKD of unknown aetiology in Sri Lanka and then studied the known aetiology of
CKD (key medical facts) in detail highlighting a comprehensive list of causes. Based
on the nature of economic development in the CKDu prevailing area, previous studies
have suggested that the causative factor for CKDu is probably environmental and
is related to the nature of anthropogenic activities. Therefore, authors investigated
subject more into the chronic exposure to heavy metals associated with agricultural
activities. Potential sources of heavy metals in the area are mentioned. The geochemical
mobility and health effects of three selected elements namely arsenic (As), cadmium
(Cd) and Lead (Pb) are studied in detail. The current scientific observations reported
on CKD were evaluated with established chemical, geochemical, and health risk of
As, Cd and Pb. According to the review, it can be justified that CKDu of the North
Central Province (NCP) in Sri Lanka is a decease caused by the chronic exposure
and cumulative effects of elevated levels of heavy metals associated with agricultural
activities.
