Air Pollution: A Lethal Cause Of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of both men and women in the US. While smoking is a well-known risk factor, air pollution is also a significant cause of lung cancer. Particle pollution, which is a mix of tiny solid and liquid particles in the air, can include acids, organic chemicals, metals, soil and dust particles. This type of pollution can come from vehicle exhaust, coal-fired power plants and other industrial sources. Research has shown that exposure to particulate matter in the air can promote the growth of cells in the lungs which carry cancer-causing mutations.

Particle pollution in outdoor air, such as vehicle exhaust, coal-fired power plants and other industrial sources

Evidence shows that particle pollution in the outdoor air we breathe can cause lung cancer. This type of pollution increases the risk of dying early, heart disease and asthma attacks, and it can also interfere with the growth and function of the lungs.

Research has found that exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air promotes the growth of cells in the lungs which carry cancer-causing mutations. Scientists have also found higher rates of other types of cancer in areas with high levels of PM2.5.

Air pollution could cause lung cancer not by mutating DNA, but by creating an inflamed environment that encourages the proliferation of cells with existing cancer-driving mutations.

Indoor air pollution, like radon

While outdoor air pollution is a well-known cause of lung cancer, indoor air pollution can also be harmful. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter homes through cracks in the foundation or gaps around pipes. It is invisible, odourless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect without special equipment. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, and prolonged exposure can increase the risk of developing the disease.

Radon is a significant concern in homes with basements or crawl spaces, as it can accumulate in these areas and reach higher concentrations. The gas can also enter the home through well water, especially if the water source is located in an area with high levels of radon. In addition to radon, other indoor air pollutants that can contribute to lung cancer risk include secondhand smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints and cleaning products, and mould spores.

The health effects of indoor air pollution are particularly concerning for vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Prolonged exposure to indoor air pollutants can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory infections, asthma, and other lung diseases, in addition to lung cancer. Therefore, it is essential to take steps to reduce indoor air pollution and improve indoor air quality.

One way to reduce radon levels in the home is to increase ventilation. Opening windows and doors, especially in basements or enclosed spaces, can help to dilute the concentration of radon and other pollutants. Additionally, radon mitigation systems can be installed to actively remove the gas from the home. These systems typically use pipes and fans to draw radon from beneath the foundation and vent it outside, away from living spaces.

It is also important to address other sources of indoor air pollution, such as smoking indoors, using harsh chemicals, or allowing mould to grow. Simple measures like quitting smoking, using natural cleaning products, and maintaining a dry and well-ventilated home can significantly improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses. Overall, raising awareness about the dangers of indoor air pollution and promoting preventative measures can help protect public health and reduce the burden of lung cancer.

Air pollution can cause lung cancer in people who have never smoked

Particle pollution is a mix of tiny solid and liquid particles in the air and can be made up of a number of components, such as acids, organic chemicals, metals, soil and dust particles. This kind of pollution comes from vehicle exhausts, coal-fired power plants and other industrial sources.

The research, which examined data from over 400,000 people, also found higher rates of other types of cancer in areas with high levels of PM2.5. It is part of the TRACERx Lung Study, a £14 million programme funded by Cancer Research UK to understand how lung cancer starts and evolves over time, in the hope of finding new treatments for the disease.

Air pollution creates an inflamed environment that encourages the proliferation of cells with existing cancer-driving mutations

Air pollution can cause lung cancer, even in people who have never smoked. Particle pollution, which is a mix of tiny solid and liquid particles in the air, can be made up of acids, organic chemicals, metals, soil and dust particles. These particles can come from vehicle exhausts, coal-fired power plants and other industrial sources.

Air pollution can cause lung cancer by creating an inflamed environment that encourages the proliferation of cells with existing cancer-driving mutations. Research has found that exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air promotes the growth of cells in the lungs which carry cancer-causing mutations. This is supported by a study of human health data and experiments in laboratory mice.

EGFR mutations are an essential step towards cancer forming, but they are rare, affecting around 1 in 600,000 cells in the lung. However, air pollution can wake up the right cells at the right time for lung cancer to start and grow.

The TRACERx Lung Study, a £14 million programme funded by Cancer Research UK, aims to understand how lung cancer starts and evolves over time, in the hope of finding new treatments for the disease.

Air pollution increases the risk of dying early, heart disease and asthma attacks

Air pollution can cause lung cancer, even in people who have never smoked. This is because particle pollution in the outdoor air we breathe, such as vehicle exhaust, coal-fired power plants and other industrial sources, can cause inflammation in the lungs. This inflammation encourages the growth of cells with existing cancer-driving mutations.

Particle pollution increases the risk of dying early, heart disease and asthma attacks. It can also interfere with the growth and function of the lungs. Over 400,000 people were examined in a study, which found higher rates of other types of cancer in areas with high levels of PM2.5.

Indoor air pollution, such as radon, can also cause lung cancer. Particle pollution is a mix of tiny solid and liquid particles in the air and can be made up of a number of components, such as acids, organic chemicals, metals, soil and dust particles.

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