Air pollution is a pressing global concern that not only affects respiratory health but also poses a significant risk of cancer development. The toxic substances present in polluted air can have detrimental effects on human health, including the potential to damage DNA and promote the growth of cancer cells. In this article, we explore eight distinct ways in which air Pollution contributes to the development of cancer, shedding light on the importance of reducing Pollution levels and adopting healthier lifestyle choices.
Source: World Health Organization/Youtube
Air Pollution contains tiny particles known as particulate matter, which can be inhaled into the lungs. These particles can carry carcinogens, such as heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other toxic substances, which can damage DNA and lead to cancer.
Professor Arvind Kumar, a chest surgeon in New Delhi, explains the impact that air Pollution has had on his patients. He explains that professionals used to see mostly smokers with lung cancer. But, now there are just as many non-smokers who have developed lung cancer.
Source: Oregon Environmental Council/Youtube
Diesel engines emit pollutants, including fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. Diesel exhaust has been classified as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), particularly in relation to lung cancer.
Dr. Perry Hystad testifies in front of the Oregon Environment and Natural Resource Committee. He quoted an important study that revealed the effects of diesel exhaust on the lungs, particularly in children.
Source: American Lung Association/Youtube
PAHs are a group of chemicals that are released during the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas. They are present in air Pollution and have been associated with various types of cancer, including lung, bladder, and skin cancer.
The process of harvesting and burning fossil fuels has a major impact on human health, as seen in the video above from the American Lung Association.
Source: VJOncology/Youtube
VOCs are released from industrial processes, vehicle emissions, and household products. Some VOCs, such as benzene and formaldehyde, are known carcinogens and can contribute to the development of leukemia and other cancers.
While figuring out how to more easily diagnose lung cancer, scientists have discovered that you can tell through biomarkers in the breath. In particular, VOCs can be detected as someone breathes out.
Source: Al Jazeera English/Youtube
Nitrogen oxides are produced by burning fossil fuels, primarily in vehicles and power plants. Long-term exposure to NOx has been linked to increased lung cancer risk.
Nitrogen oxide, particularly from vehicle exhaust, has a major impact on air Pollution. In turn, air Pollution has been deemed one of the leading causes of cancer.
Air Pollution can contain heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium, which are released from industrial activities and vehicle emissions. Prolonged exposure to these metals has been associated with an increased risk of various cancers, including lung, liver, and kidney cancer.
Not only do heavy metals cause cancer, but a 2021 report by the New York Times said that people of color in the US are exposed to higher levels of heavy metals. Racially segregated areas have a much higher concentration of these compounds, leading to more health issues.
Ground-level ozone is formed when pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react with sunlight. Long-term exposure to ozone has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.
As early as 1995 researchers knew that ozone caused breathing difficulties and cancer.
Air pollution triggers an inflammatory response in the body and generates oxidative stress. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress can damage DNA, promote mutations, and lead to the development of cancer.
A study published in Nature found that lung cancer caused by air Pollution is more prevalent in those with the EGFR gene mutation. When researchers exposed mice (with the same mutation) to pollutants, their lungs got inflamed.
It’s important to note that while air pollution is a significant risk factor for cancer, it is often intertwined with other lifestyle factors, such as smoking, diet, and occupational exposures. Therefore, adopting measures to reduce air Pollution and making healthy lifestyle choices can help mitigate the risk of cancer.
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