Air Pollution: A Deadly Link To Lung Cancer

Air pollution is a significant and far-reaching threat to public health, with 99% of the world's population breathing unhealthy air. It is caused by fine particulate matter, tiny airborne particles known as PM2.5, which are a mix of solid particles and liquid droplets that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Exposure to these particles can cause changes in airway cells that trigger lung cancer. Studies have shown that these changes are visible in about half of people with lung cancer who have never smoked. Research has also found that exposure to PM2.5 promotes the growth of cells carrying cancer-causing mutations in the lungs. While smoking remains the biggest risk factor for lung cancer, outdoor air pollution causes roughly 1 in 10 cases of lung cancer in the UK.

Particulate matter in the air promotes the growth of cells carrying cancer-causing mutations in the lungs

Air pollution is a mix of tiny solid and liquid particles in the air, including acids, organic chemicals, metals, soil, and dust particles. These particles are known as particulate matter (PM) and are especially harmful when they are small enough to enter the lungs, such as PM2.5, which are 2.5 micrometres in diameter or smaller.

PM2.5 particles are released into the air through vehicle exhaust, coal-fired power plants, and industrial sources. Exposure to these particles can cause changes in airway cells that trigger lung cancer. PM2.5 carries toxic substances, including sulfates, organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals, which are major carcinogens. These toxins can induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and impaired repair mechanisms, leading to DNA damage, genomic instability, and increased lung cancer risk.

Research has revealed that exposure to PM2.5 promotes the growth of cells carrying cancer-causing mutations in the lungs. Studies have shown that these changes are visible in about half of people with lung cancer who have never smoked. Cells with cancer-causing mutations accumulate naturally as humans age, but they are normally inactive. PM2.5 wakes these cells up in the lungs, encouraging them to grow and potentially form tumours. This process is influenced by the combination of cancer-causing mutations and inflammation, which can trigger cells to grow uncontrollably, forming tumours.

The TRACERx Lung Study, a £14 million programme, aims to further understand how lung cancer starts and evolves over time to find new treatments. The study examined data from over 400,000 people and found higher rates of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant lung cancer, as well as other types of cancer, in areas with higher levels of PM2.5 pollution. These findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between PM2.5 exposure and lung cancer development, highlighting the need to reduce air pollution and protect public health.

Air pollution is linked to higher rates of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant lung cancer

Air pollution is a mix of tiny solid and liquid particles in the air, which can include acids, organic chemicals, metals, soil, and dust particles. These particles are known as PM2.5 and are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller. They can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Outdoor air pollution causes roughly 1 in 10 cases of lung cancer in the UK, with around 6,000 non-smokers dying of lung cancer every year in the UK due to air pollution exposure. Globally, around 300,000 lung cancer deaths in 2019 were attributed to exposure to PM2.5.

One type of lung cancer that has been linked to air pollution is epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant lung cancer. Errors in the EGFR gene are one type of lung cancer biomarker. EGFR is a protein located on the surface of cells that helps them grow. A mutation in the gene that codes for the EGFR protein can cause cells to grow too much, which can lead to cancer. EGFR-positive lung cancer represents about 10-15% of lung cancers in the United States and is most often seen in the adenocarcinoma subtype of non-small cell lung cancer. In Asian populations, the incidence of EGFR mutations is significantly higher.

Research has shown that exposure to PM2.5 air pollution is linked to higher rates of EGFR mutant lung cancer. Scientists examined data from over 400,000 people from the UK and Asian countries, comparing rates of EGFR mutant lung cancer in areas with different levels of PM2.5 pollution. They found higher rates of EGFR mutant lung cancer in people living in areas with higher levels of PM2.5 pollution.

Further research exposed mice with EGFR mutations in their lungs to air pollution levels normally found in cities. The study found that cancers were more likely to develop from cells carrying EGFR mutations when exposed to air pollution, compared to those not exposed. Blocking a molecule called IL-1β, which is released in response to PM2.5 exposure, prevented cancers from forming in these mice. This suggests that environmental triggers, such as air pollution, may awaken cells carrying cancer-causing mutations, leading to the development of cancer.

Particle pollution increases the risk of dying early, heart disease, asthma attacks, and interferes with lung growth and function

Particle pollution is a mix of tiny solid and liquid particles in the air, including acids, organic chemicals, metals, soil, and dust particles. Constant exposure to particle pollution can induce inflammation and compromise the integrity of the alveolar-capillary barrier. This can lead to reduced lung function and respiratory issues, even in healthy individuals.

Particle pollution has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and other forms of heart disease. When inhaled, these particles can reach the lungs and affect the heart and blood vessels. Particle pollution can trigger heart attacks in people with pre-existing heart disease. Research has shown that both short-term and long-term exposure to particle pollution can increase the risk of heart disease.

Particle pollution can also aggravate asthma symptoms and may even cause new-onset asthma. It can induce airway inflammation, making the airways more responsive to irritants and increasing the likelihood of asthma attacks. Air pollution has been associated with the development of asthma in children, with traffic-related air pollution, nitrogen dioxide, and second-hand smoke being significant risk factors.

Additionally, particle pollution has been linked to premature mortality in people with chronic lung disease. Studies have shown that even short-term exposures to elevated levels of air pollution can increase the risk of premature death, especially in older adults. The mortality rate rises as air pollution levels increase, and certain subgroups, such as those over 85 years old, female, non-white, or economically disadvantaged, are at a higher risk.

Overall, particle pollution has significant adverse effects on human health, increasing the risk of early death, heart disease, asthma attacks, and interfering with lung growth and function. Taking steps to reduce exposure to particle pollution is crucial for mitigating these adverse health consequences.

Exposure to air pollution increases the risk of lung cancer, especially in those with heart and lung disease, children, and the elderly

Exposure to air pollution increases the risk of lung cancer, especially for those with pre-existing heart and lung disease, children, and the elderly. This is due to the presence of particulate matter in the air, which can enter the lungs and cause inflammation, triggering cancerous cell growth.

Particulate matter, or particle pollution, refers to a mix of tiny solid and liquid particles in the air, such as acids, organic chemicals, metals, soil, and dust particles. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Outdoor air pollution, caused by vehicle exhaust, coal-fired power plants, and other industrial sources, is a significant contributor to particle pollution and has been linked to approximately one in ten cases of lung cancer in the UK.

Research has found that exposure to particulate matter, specifically PM2.5, promotes the growth of cells carrying cancer-causing mutations in the lungs. PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometres in diameter or smaller, or about 3% of the width of a human hair. These tiny particles can cause inflammation in the lungs, activating normally inactive cells with cancer-causing mutations and triggering uncontrollable cell growth that leads to the formation of tumours.

While smoking remains the biggest risk factor for lung cancer, air pollution is a significant and far-reaching threat to public health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the world's population breathes unhealthy air, and air pollution is estimated to cause nearly seven million deaths per year. The impact of air pollution is particularly acute in low- and middle-income countries, which account for nearly 90% of premature deaths related to air pollution.

Children, the elderly, and individuals with heart and lung disease are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution. Short-term exposure to elevated levels of air pollution can affect lung function, exacerbate asthma, and even cause death. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and increase the risk of lung cancer.

Air pollution is a mix of solid and liquid particles, such as acids, organic chemicals, metals, soil, and dust

Air pollution is a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles, such as acids, organic chemicals, metals, soil, and dust. These particles are known as particulate matter (PM) and are airborne substances that are not gases. They consist of a wide range of materials and chemical compounds, including toxic substances, and vary in size. The smaller the particle, the more harmful it is to human health as it can reach the bloodstream.

PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, is a particularly harmful type of particle with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less. These particles are so small that they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. They are produced by the combustion of gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, or wood, as well as from wildfires and agricultural burns.

PM2.5 particles have been linked to a range of adverse health effects, including respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis, cardiovascular problems, and even lung cancer. Research has shown that exposure to these particles can cause changes in airway cells that trigger lung cancer. This is especially true for those with pre-existing heart or lung disease, children, and the elderly.

The health risks of air pollution are comparable to those caused by smoking tobacco. In fact, air pollution is estimated to cause nearly seven million deaths per year, with low- and middle-income countries paying the heaviest toll. Reducing air pollution through regulations and initiatives can help prevent lung cancer and improve overall health.

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