Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 5: Rising temperatures linked to climate change are increasing the risk of dehydration and serious health complications among outdoor workers, with experts warning that prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to kidney damage, cardiovascular problems and other life-threatening conditions.
The warning comes as outdoor labourers, particularly agricultural workers, continue to work for long hours in temperatures exceeding 39 degrees Celsius with limited access to drinking water, shade and rest.
Suvarna Dange, a 50-year-old sugarcane worker from Maharashtra's Kolhapur district, developed severe abdominal pain after spending an entire day working in extreme heat in April 2026. Medical examination later confirmed that she had developed a kidney stone, which doctors attributed to prolonged dehydration caused by working under intense heat with inadequate water intake.
Despite being advised to avoid working in extreme temperatures, Dange returned to the fields the same day because she could not afford to take leave.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), nearly half the world's population is now experiencing the effects of increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves. A 2025 report by the two organisations noted that worker productivity declines by 2 to 3 per cent for every degree Celsius above 20°C and warned of rising cases of heatstroke, dehydration, kidney dysfunction and neurological disorders.
Experts say women are particularly vulnerable as many consume less water during working hours due to limited access to toilets. They often continue household chores in poorly ventilated homes after returning from physically demanding outdoor work.
Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia, an occupational therapist and assistant professor at the University of Toronto, said more frequent and severe heat events are expected to increase cases of dehydration, heat-related illnesses and kidney injuries.
A 2025 study published in the Journal of Climate Change and Health found that nearly half of sugarcane workers in Guatemala showed signs of reduced kidney function because of repeated exposure to extreme heat and dehydration.
Researchers explained that during strenuous work in high temperatures, blood is redirected towards the skin to cool the body, reducing blood flow to vital organs such as the kidneys. Dehydration further reduces blood circulation, increasing the risk of acute kidney injury. Repeated daily episodes of heat stress without adequate recovery can eventually lead to chronic kidney disease.
Medical experts also warned that dehydration affects more than just the kidneys. It can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes by making blood thicker and more prone to clotting. Loss of essential electrolytes such as sodium and potassium can disrupt heart rhythm, weaken muscles and impair nerve function.
Another farm worker from Maharashtra, 53-year-old Chingu Yadav, was diagnosed with kidney and heart complications after years of working in extreme heat. She eventually stopped farm work but continues to experience weakness and balance problems, which doctors linked to prolonged dehydration and electrolyte loss.
Researchers studying more than 1,400 outdoor workers in India found they were 2.5 times more likely to experience severe heat stress under humid conditions. Another review covering 17 international studies found that heat exposure significantly affected the health of construction workers, mainly through dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
Experts emphasised that regular access to drinking water, scheduled rest breaks, shaded work areas and worker awareness programmes are essential to reducing heat-related health risks. They also called for governments and employers to implement comprehensive occupational heat-health policies and redesign workplace practices to protect workers as extreme temperatures become more frequent due to climate change.