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Does Air Pollution Cause Cancer? Here’s What Science Says
By Raveena M Prakash
Air pollution affects everyone, whether you are stuck in a city full of traffic, live nearby an industrial area, or stay indoors and inhale the cooking smoke. But beyond the irritation you might experience during the smoke inhalation in your eyes or trouble in breathing, there’s more than that. Can air pollution cause cancer? The answer is ‘Yes, it’s shocking but true! There is a strong link between developing several health concerns, including cancer, and the air pollution in Delhi, which can also trigger the people who live in the city. Though it's not the only factor, this risk factor cannot be ignored!
In this blog, we’ll discover more about air pollution and how it affects cancer formation, what types of cancer are developed, and what we can do to reduce the risks!
Understand the link between Air pollution and Cancer
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an organization that is part of WHO, outdoor air pollution is officially classified as part of the ‘Carcinogenic to Humans Group (1). In simpler terms, the pollution in the air is sufficient evidence that can cause cancer in people. In 2013, they found some strong links with lung cancer that can cause lung cancer and also indicate the risk of developing bladder cancer in people.
Here are some of the cancer are developed:
- For lung cancer: According to many studies, half of the lung cancer cases in people who have never smoked are often estimated to be related to the pollution.
- For general global pollution burden: Air pollution mostly contributes to an estimated 18.6% of all lung cancers deaths across the world.
- For other types of cancer: Many types of research and studies suggest an increased risk of liver, kidney, colorectal, breast and brain cancer in association with fine article air pollution (PM) levels.
How big is the risk and types of cancers are formed?
Air pollution is not just ‘polluted air’ or ‘dirty air’ it contains a mix of gases, for example: NO₂, Ozone, volatile compounds and fine particles (PM10, PM 2.5 and even smaller particles).
Here’s how it may lead to cancer:
- DNA Damage: Fine particles in the air often associated with chemicals which cause oxidative stress, DNA stranded breaks, and mutation in the cells.
- Inflammation: People with continuous exposure to polluted air tends to trigger inflammation and infections in the lung tissues, and possibly other tissues, which can increase the environment where mutated cells start to grow.
- Ageing of cells/ Telomere shortening: A recent study suggests that an increased exposure to the particulate matter was connected with telomeres in the lung tissues of the non-smokers. This might make more cells vulnerable to cancer.
How this risk works in people!
The lung cancer connection with pollution is quite strong, while many other cancers are also formed due to an increased pollution in the air. For example, breast, pancreas, and brain cancer have also emerged due to the pollution.
It can be quite difficult to disengage pollution from other correlated factors including socioeconomic factors, indoor air quality, smoking habits and occupational air exposures. The safe levels are also often discussed, even low levels of pollution might also carry the risk. While the levels of safety are always studied.
What does this mean in real life
Here’s what it means in our life, including:
- Non-smokers are at risk: Pollution affects everyone, non-smokers also use a measurable risk of lung cancers often linked to the air pollution exposure.
- Pollution increases the risk on population: Having high pollution doesn’t guarantee people will develop cancer, the risk mainly depends on the dose (how much does it cause), the duration of pollution inhaled, individual susceptibility and other exposures.
- Risk varies by region and pollution levels: Places with polluted areas, (eg: many urban or industrial areas) will tend to see higher levels of pollution. Low and middle income countries tend to bear the heavier burden.
- Prevention & Policy matter: Air pollution is a modifiable risk factor, which is unlike some genetic risks, reducing the exposure can reduce the burden. Clean air policy is also part of cancer prevention.
What can you do: If you are Living in highly polluted areas!
Here’s what you can do, if you are living in highly polluted areas in India, like Delhi and Mumbai.
- Always monitor the Air Quality: Use local AQI (Air quality index) apps or websites to know when the air quality is bad.
- Avoid outdoor air exposure (when the air quality is worse): On the days of heavy smogs or High PM2, then try to reduce the outdoor air exposure, especially near the heavy traffic areas.
- Improve indoor air: Try to use an indoor air purifier, always keep your windows closed, when outdoor air quality is bad, avoid burning solid fuel indoors, and make sure to get good ventilation when possible.
- Wear Protective masks: If you are going outside and pollution level is high, especially using particulate-filtering masks (eg: N95/ FFP2), as it can reduce inhalation of fine particles.
- Healthy lifestyle factors: You cannot eliminate the pollution entirely, while you can reduce the inhalation of fine particles. Do not smoke, maintain healthy weight, eat a healthy, balanced diet filled with nutrient rich foods. Avoid the exposure of secondhand smoke etc.
- Practice regular health checkups: If you live in highly polluted areas, then discuss with your doctor about regular health screenings and understand how your environment contributes to your health.
Why does it matter!
Air pollution affects everyone across the world. WHO suggests that 99% of the world population breathe air that exceeds the WHO air quality standards and guidelines. Air pollution is widespread; even a small increase of the air quality index (AQI) can increase the risk, which causes large public health concerns.
Many studies have suggested that geographic and economic status play a major role. For example, low- and middle-income countries usually faced issues like higher pollution rates and few resources for pollution mitigation practices.
Understanding that an increased AQI is a major red flag for cancer development in people, and this should be acknowledged. Inhaling polluted air can act as a risk factor for cancer development. It can shift the factors like ‘only smoking cigarettes, alcohol consumption, or diet’ causing cancer to environmental and lifestyle factors, which can increase the cancer risk and also increase awareness towards cancer development.
Consult Today
Air pollution is a risk factor that often causes cancer in people, primarily lung cancer, which is also a contributor to other types of cancers. Pollution can also involve DNA damage, inflammation, and promotion of pre-existing cellular mutations in highly prone people. The whole risk of developing cancer may include lifestyle factors, genetics, and occupational exposure matters. While the pollution in the air is a preventable and actionable component too!
At Oncare, we offer premium-quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries at an affordable price range with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.
If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our cancer specialist today. Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the symptoms of lung cancer, including:
- A cough that doesn’t get better even after two weeks
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Hoarseness
- Loss of appetite
- Sudden weight loss
- Sudden fatigue
- Shoulder pain
- Swelling in the face
Here are some of the risk factors of lung cancer, including:
- Being exposed to secondhand smoke
- Exposed to harmful substances like radon, asbestos, uranium, diesel exhaust, silica, coal products and toxins in the air.
- Previous radiation treatments in the chest
- Family history of cancer
Many studies suggest that air pollution can cause lung cancer in many people. The more you are exposed to the polluted areas, the higher the risk of developing in people. There are many studies that show that radon gas in indoor air can also develop as lung cancer over time.
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