In order to prepare for the most expensive World Cup ever, Qatar has spent $300 billion. Workers in many of the world's hottest nations are now realizing a serious health cost due to the construction boom.
Deaths of workers engaged in World Cup-related construction in Qatar during the previous 10 years have brought their working conditions to the attention of the world. However, according to researchers, a chronic kidney disease epidemic is starting to affect low-income migrants in hot regions from the Middle East to Central America.
According to Jason Glaser, CEO of the International Climate And Health Research Organisation La Isla Network, "Many workers returning from the Persian Gulf, and indeed those that worked to build the infrastructure required for the World Cup in Qatar, left their home countries healthy and returned with kidney disease after being exposed to extreme temperatures and brutal conditions while at work,"
In the meantime, La Isla's research has also shown a connection between the incidence of chronic kidney disease in other regions of the world, particularly among sugarcane workers in Central America, which is probably related to their hard labour in high temperatures.
It is critical to reevaluate labour laws and occupational practices since, according to medical experts, as climate change causes longer and more frequent heatwaves, the number of people with kidney disease will rise and affect a larger portion of the world.
"We think companies should assess - in both their own operations and their supply chains - whether local laws and regulations are sufficiently protective against heat stress, and implement best-practice policies where they are deemed to fall short or do not yet exist," HSBC Holdings Plc said in a report released in June.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, heat stress can result in a wide range of risk factors that stop the kidneys from functioning properly, from dehydration to complete metabolic system shutdown.
At least some changes have been brought about by the FIFA World Cup. According to FIFA, labour reforms, including stricter inspections of construction sites intended to protect worker safety, were driven by the scrutiny surrounding Qatar's preparations. According to FIFA, Qatar also has initiatives to address additional possible risks including heat, nutrition, and mental health.