Extreme heat drives spike in kidney disease among vulnerable populations
Extreme heat triggers kidney disease surge, with France reporting 47 percent increase in acute cases during heat alerts.
Event / Science
Extreme Heat Health Effects
Scientific research documents multiple health consequences from extreme heat exposure, including accelerated biological aging, cognitive decline, sleep disruption, chronic disease exacerbation, kidney stone formation, and heat-linked nephropathy, with vulnerable populations experiencing disproportionate harm.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 18 Jun, 09:34 UTC
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What happened
University of Southern California study finds prolonged extreme heat accelerates biological aging
A study from the University of Southern California published in Science Advances in February 2025 found that prolonged exposure to extreme heat accelerates biological aging. People exposed to more days of high heat age biologically faster than those exposed to less heat. Biological age changes and associated epigenetic changes were studied over periods of 30-60 days of extreme heat, as well as over just 7 days. The changes and accompanying biological aging are triggered rapidly and could accumulate over time, potentially becoming a risk factor for age-related pathologies and mortality.
Heat exposure disrupts sleep and increases associated health risks
Extreme heat causes difficulty falling asleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, and insomnia. Short sleep duration creates immediate risks of mood disorders, reduced attention and vigilance. Medium-term consequences include significant irritability, risk of depressive syndrome, and learning difficulties. If sleep deprivation becomes chronic, there are increased risks of obesity and diabetes. Sleep deprivation also weakens the immune system and is associated with increased risk of certain cancers including breast, colon, and prostate cancer.
Extreme heat exacerbates chronic diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular conditions
Exposure to extreme heat can cause exacerbation of pre-existing chronic pathologies such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, kidney diseases, and neurological diseases, according to France's Public Health Authority. This exacerbation can lead to death. Multiple factors directly related to extreme heat cause this effect: dehydration, thermal stress, impaired thermoregulation, and ozone peaks. The longer heat waves last, the less the body can recover, and the greater the risk of chronic disease exacerbation.
Prolonged heat exposure increases risk of urinary tract stones
Prolonged exposure to extreme heat increases the risk of urinary tract stones (lithiasis) due to concentration of minerals in urine during dehydration. The incidence of lithiasis pathologies increases during periods of extreme heat.
Heat-related kidney disease emerging in hot regions, particularly among young farmers
A new nephropathy linked to climate change has emerged, characterized by increasing cases of chronic and terminal kidney insufficiency in the hottest regions of the globe, affecting mainly young farmers with no risk factors. A study published in 2019 first identified this disease, and its authors indicate the phenomenon is potentially global. Subsequent studies have confirmed that heat exposure and dehydration are at the origins of this nephropathy.
New York University study links extreme heat exposure to accelerated cognitive decline
A study from New York University published in August 2023 found that extreme heat is associated with accelerated cognitive decline, particularly among people with limited income who have fewer resources to protect themselves from heat such as air conditioning or tree-lined parks. According to Virginia Chang, associate professor of social and behavioral sciences at NYU School of Global Public Health and lead author, repeated or prolonged exposure to extreme heat can trigger a cascade of events in the brain including cellular damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress, all of which can deplete cognitive reserve.
France reports 47 percent increase in acute kidney insufficiency cases during heat alerts
France's Public Health Authority reported a 47 percent increase in acute kidney insufficiency (IRA) cases during orange and yellow heat alerts. The agency notes biological plausibility with physiological explanation of the observed phenomenon through dehydration and hypovolemia (blood plasma deficit), which can trigger acute kidney insufficiency.
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2 alternative perspectives
Heat Exposure Linked to Faster Aging and Cognitive Decline
Extreme heat exposure accelerates aging and cognitive decline by disrupting sleep.