Prepared by: Asst. Lecturer Zainab Ali Mohsen Al-Khafaji.<br />Introduction<br />In recent decades, the agricultural sector has undergone a shift toward non-organic farming aimed at increasing production. This type of agriculture involves intensive use of insecticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. Despite its economic benefits, the residues of these chemicals in agricultural products raise concerns about their health impacts—especially on the kidneys, which play a critical role in filtering toxins from the body.<br />Chemical Substances in Non-Organic Agriculture<br />The substances commonly used in non-organic agriculture include:<br /> 1. Insecticides (such as chlorpyrifos and parathion)<br /> 2. Herbicides (such as glyphosate and atrazine)<br /> 3. Nitrogen-based fertilizers (which produce nitrate compounds)<br /> 4. Heavy metals that may accumulate in the soil, such as cadmium, lead, and mercury<br />Residues of these substances can be transferred from the soil to plants and eventually enter the human body through consumption of contaminated crops.<br />Impact of These Substances on the Kidneys<br />The kidneys are responsible for filtering toxic substances and metabolic waste from the blood. Chronic exposure to the mentioned chemicals can lead to:<br />1. Renal Tubular Damage<br /> • Cadmium, in particular, accumulates in the renal cortex and causes gradual damage to the kidney tubules, resulting in protein loss in urine and decreased kidney function.<br />2. Oxidative Stress<br /> • Some pesticides lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage kidney cells.<br />3. Chronic Inflammation<br /> • Continuous exposure to pesticides can cause long-term immune activation, leading to persistent inflammation in kidney tissue.<br />4. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)<br /> • In some agricultural areas such as Sri Lanka and India, increased rates of CKD have been observed among agricultural workers exposed to pesticides and chemical fertilizers.<br />Scientific Studies and Evidence<br /> • A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives (2015) indicated that elevated levels of cadmium and lead in the blood are associated with a decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR).<br /> • A 2020 study in India found that chronic exposure to organophosphate pesticides is associated with a higher risk of kidney damage among farmers.<br />Prevention and Recommendations<br /> • Transitioning to organic or sustainable agriculture<br /> • Thoroughly washing agricultural products before consumption<br /> • Educating farmers on the safe use of pesticides<br /> • Conducting regular kidney function tests for individuals exposed to pesticides<br />Conclusion<br /><br />While non-organic agriculture plays a significant role in meeting global food demand, excessive reliance on chemical compounds poses serious risks to human health—especially to the kidneys. Scientific evidence shows that chronic exposure to these substances can lead to progressive deterioration of kidney function, potentially resulting in kidney failure. Therefore, adopting organic agriculture and improving health monitoring are essential strategies to protect public health.<br /><br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University، The First University in Iraq