Brian Barton
Air pollution is a major threat to global health, causing more than 6.5 million deaths each year worldwide. It is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources, including vehicle emissions, fuel oils, natural gas, manufacturing by-products, and power generation. While air pollution is linked to various diseases and health issues, one particular concern is its connection to leukemia. Studies have found that exposure to certain pollutants, such as benzene, an industrial chemical and component of gasoline, can lead to leukemia. In addition, other air pollutants like particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) have been associated with increased risks of specific types of cancers. As research on air pollution and its health effects progresses, it is crucial to understand the impact of these pollutants on human health and take preventive measures to reduce their harmful effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollutants linked to leukemia | Particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), benzene |
| Studies | Meta-analysis of outdoor air pollution and risk of childhood leukemia; Association between outdoor air pollution and childhood leukemia; Relationship of leukemias with long-term ambient air pollution exposures in the adult Danish population |
| Study locations | Europe, North America, China, Denmark, Texas, Hong Kong, Canada |
| Study participants | Children, adults, 66,280 residents of Hong Kong aged 65 or older |
| Study methods | Traffic density as exposure assessment metric, random-effects model, dose-response meta-analysis, restricted cubic splines, regression models |
| Results | Increased risk of leukemia with higher exposure to PM2.5, positive relationship with black carbon, overall weak excess risk of childhood leukemia with higher traffic density, causal link between outdoor air pollution and childhood leukemia |
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What You'll Learn
Particulate matter (PM)
The health risks associated with PM are well documented, particularly for PM2.5. Studies have found a positive correlation between PM2.5 exposure and increased mortality from various types of cancer, including lung, liver, colorectal, bladder, and kidney cancer. PM2.5 particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and cause adverse health effects. This is supported by research showing that a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 levels increases the risk of cancer mortality by approximately 9%.
In terms of its link to leukemia, a Danish population-based case-control study found a higher risk of leukemia with higher 1-, 5-, and 10-year average exposures to PM2.5 prior to diagnosis. This study included 14,986 adult leukemia cases diagnosed between 1989 and 2014 and adjusted for socio-demographic factors. Another population-based case-control study in Denmark also showed a statistically significant increase in the risk of overall leukemia associated with concentrations of residential air pollution exposure to PM2.5. The results indicated a higher risk for overall leukemia with exposure to PM2.5, with a particular association with the acute myeloid leukemia subtype.
While the evidence suggests a link between PM2.5 and leukemia, it is important to note that the causes of leukemia remain largely unknown, and more research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between air pollution and leukemia risk.
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Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
NO2 is a significant contributor to particle pollution and the chemical reactions that produce ozone. It is one of six common air pollutants that are subject to national air quality standards to limit their concentrations in outdoor air. NO2 can also be produced indoors when fuels like wood or gas are burned. Incomplete combustion of fuels and chemical reactions between gases are common sources of both indoor and outdoor air pollution.
NO2 has been linked to a range of adverse health effects, particularly on the respiratory system. Exposure to NO2 can irritate airways and exacerbate respiratory diseases. It is also associated with an increased risk of developing asthma in children. Additionally, NO2 has been implicated in higher mortality rates from various types of cancer, including lung, liver, colorectal, bladder, and kidney cancer.
A study in Shanghai found a correlation between higher indoor concentrations of NO2 and an increased risk of childhood acute leukemia. This study also highlighted the impact of indoor environmental factors, such as the use of synthetic materials for wall decoration and furniture, on the risk of childhood acute leukemia.
It is important to note that efforts to reduce NO2 emissions have been successful in some regions. For example, the Clean Air Act in the United States has helped drive down nitrogen dioxide emissions from power plants, industrial sites, and on-road vehicles, leading to improvements in overall air quality. However, it is crucial to continue advocating for the cleanup of air pollution and taking protective measures on days with high levels of air pollutants.
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Lung cancer
Air pollution is a major contributor to the global disease burden, with most people residing in places where air pollution levels exceed the World Health Organization's (WHO) health-based air quality guidelines. Outdoor air pollution has been linked to numerous adverse health effects, including cancer.
The WHO classifies air pollution as the leading cause of human cancer. In 2013, the organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer reviewed the available scientific evidence and concluded that particulate matter causes lung cancer. This conclusion is supported by substantial evidence from human and experimental animal studies, as well as mechanistic evidence.
Particle pollution, a mix of tiny solid and liquid particles in the air, can enter deep into the lungs and has been linked to lung cancer. This type of pollution comes from vehicle exhaust, coal-fired power plants, and other industrial sources. It increases the risk of early death, heart disease, asthma attacks, and interferes with lung growth and function.
In addition to outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution, such as radon, can also cause lung cancer. People exposed to secondhand smoke, radiation therapy to the chest, or large amounts of asbestos are also at higher risk for developing lung cancer.
While smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, about 1% to 2% of all lung cancer deaths in the United States are attributed to outdoor air pollution. Globally, more people are exposed to unsafe levels of air pollution than to toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke, highlighting the importance of addressing climate health to improve human health.
Studies have investigated the impact of air pollutants on lung cancer mortality rates. For example, a longitudinal study in Shiraz, Iran, examined the relationship between six main air pollutants (CO, SO2, O3, NO2, PM10, and PM2.5) and lung cancer deaths over 3,001 days starting from January 1, 2005. The results showed a relationship between variations in pollutant concentrations and lung cancer deaths.
Furthermore, laboratory studies by the Francis Crick Institute have revealed that pollutant particles (PM2.5) promote rapid cancerous changes in airway cells with EGFR and KRAS gene mutations. These findings have important implications for lung cancer prevention and treatment.
Overall, while smoking remains the primary risk factor for lung cancer, outdoor and indoor air pollution, including particle pollution and exposure to specific carcinogens, are significant contributors to lung cancer incidence and mortality worldwide.
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Ozone (O3)
Ozone therapy is a non-conventional form of medicine that has been explored for its potential to treat cancer. This therapy involves administering ozone into the body through methods such as autohemotransfusion, body saunas, or blowing the gas into the body through cavities. The goal of ozone therapy is to increase oxygen levels in the blood, which can help fight cancer cells by suppressing their growth and supporting chemotherapy drugs.
While ozone therapy has shown potential benefits in treating certain cancers, it is not without risks. For example, it can be harmful to individuals with hyperthyroidism, advanced stages of HIV, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Additionally, there is a risk of pulmonary embolism and death associated with ozone injections into arteries or hyperbaric medical ozone infusions.
It is important to note that the studies on ozone therapy for cancer treatment are limited, and more research is needed to establish its safety and efficacy. A meta-analysis of 30 cohort studies found that O3 was not significantly associated with cancer mortality. Therefore, while ozone therapy may hold some promise in cancer treatment, particularly for breast cancer, it is not currently recommended as a primary treatment option due to insufficient evidence.
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Cardiovascular and respiratory causes
Air pollution can have detrimental effects on cardiovascular and respiratory health. Particulate matter (PM) refers to inhalable particles composed of sulphate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust, or water. PM10 and PM2.5 are particularly harmful and are capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the bloodstream. This can cause a range of cardiovascular issues, including ischaemic heart disease and stroke. Long-term exposure to PM has been linked to adverse perinatal outcomes and lung cancer.
The sources of these particles vary in size and composition. The largest particles, with diameters between 2.5 and 10 microns, come from pollen, sea spray, and wind-blown dust from erosion, agriculture, roads, and mining. The smaller particles, PM2.5, are derived from primary sources such as fuel combustion in power generation and vehicles, and secondary sources like chemical reactions between gases.
The health effects of air pollution on the respiratory system are well documented. Particle pollution exposure is linked to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, and wheezing. It can also cause acute, reversible decrements in pulmonary function, inflammation of the airways and lungs, bronchial hyperreactivity, acute phase reactions, respiratory infections, and hospitalizations. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution as their lungs are still developing, and they breathe faster, taking in more polluted air. This can increase their risk of developing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) later in life.
Additionally, air pollution can aggravate pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD, leading to more hospitalizations during periods of high pollution. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a major component of smog, is an important ozone precursor and is closely linked to asthma and other respiratory conditions. Exposure to NO2 can irritate airways and aggravate respiratory diseases.
The impact of air pollution on cardiovascular and respiratory health is significant, and it is important to continue researching and addressing these issues to improve overall health outcomes.
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Frequently asked questions
Occupational exposure to benzene, an industrial chemical and component of gasoline, can cause leukemia.
Air pollution is linked to a wide range of health issues, including:
- Respiratory issues such as asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia
- Cardiovascular issues such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure
- Lung cancer
- Kidney and bladder cancer
- Dementia
- Postpartum depression
- Adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm birth
Air pollution comes from both human-made and natural sources. Human-made sources include:
- Vehicle emissions
- Fuel oils and natural gas used for heating
- Manufacturing by-products
- Power generation, especially coal-fueled power plants
Natural sources include wildfires, which have been linked to more severe cases of COVID-19 and increased hospital admissions.
Air pollution is made up of tiny particles that can be inhaled. These particles can enter the lungs and even the bloodstream, causing inflammation, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and damage to cells throughout the body.
