The Relationship Between Air Pollution and Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers

Can Air Pollution Cause Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers?

According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally in 2020, resulting in approximately 1.8 million deaths.

Lung cancer can be categorized into two primary types (based on the size):

• Small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

While smoking is widely recognized as a prominent risk factor for lung cancer, approximately 10 to 20% of lung cancers occur in individuals who never smoked or have smoked less than 100 cigarettes. There has been a link between air pollution and the occurrence of lung cancer. However, the precise mechanism by which small particles of air pollutants trigger lung cancer has not been determined.

What Is Particle Pollution?

Particle pollution is a mixture of minute solid and liquid particles in the air, including various components such as acids, organic chemicals, metals, soil, and dust. It can be released directly from wood stoves, forest fires, vehicles, and other sources, or it can develop from other types of pollution emitted by sources like power plants. The diameter of these particles is much smaller than that of human hair and even a grain of sand. Ongoing research is attempting to determine the impact of the size and diverse compounds present in these particles on human health.

What Is the Evidence Supporting the Link Between Particle Pollution and Lung Cancer?

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (a division of the World Health Organization) conducted a thorough review of scientific studies in 2013 and concluded that particulate matter is a cause of lung cancer. During the same year, an 8-year-old girl was diagnosed with lung cancer, making her the youngest lung cancer patient. Her physician attributed her illness to air pollution.

According to the WHO, air pollution levels have risen significantly in some regions of the world, primarily in low- and middle-income countries with large populations. Despite particle pollution levels being lower, studies have established a connection between such pollution and lung cancer.

What Are the Lung Cancer Types That Can Impact Nonsmokers?

The types of cancer that usually impact individuals who have never smoked are:

• Adenocarcinoma: This type of NSCLC originates in lung cells that generate mucus and accounts for 50 to 60 percent of lung cancers in nonsmokers.

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Another form of NSCLC that arises from cells lining the airways of the lungs. Roughly ten to 20 percent of nonsmokers with lung cancer have squamous cell carcinoma.

• SCLC: This form of lung cancer is uncommon among nonsmokers. Only around six to eight percent of those with lung cancer who do not smoke have SCLC.

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers?

Radon is identified as the primary culprit behind lung cancer in people who have never smoked. Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas. It forms through the natural decay of uranium in soil and rocks. It can infiltrate homes, schools, and other buildings, where it may accumulate to dangerous levels. It is essential to conduct a radon test to determine if radon is present in a building since it is impossible to detect it through one’s senses.

Lung cancer can be attributed to various potential causes and risk factors, which include:

• Secondhand Smoke: Breathing in secondhand smoke exposes a person to cancer-causing chemicals and is responsible for about 7,000 adult deaths from lung cancer each year.

• Air Pollution: Living in cities or areas with heavy traffic may slightly increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

• Exposure to Other Cancer-Causing Agents: These include carcinogens like asbestos, uranium, and diesel exhaust.

• Genetics: Changes in lung cells can also contribute to the development of lung cancer.

What Are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of lung cancer are similar for both smokers and nonsmokers.

During the early stages of lung cancer, there may not be any symptoms. However, symptoms that may develop include:

• Coughing that worsens over time.

• Frequent lung infections.

• Coughing up blood.

• Hoarseness.

• Continuous chest pain.

• Shortness of breath.

• Wheezing.

If the cancer metastasizes to other regions of the body, additional symptoms may occur, such as:

• Loss of appetite.

• Weight loss.

• Headaches.

• Blood clots.

• Bone pain.

• Bone fractures.

What Are the Treatments for Lung Cancer?

The treatment may include one or more therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, radiofrequency ablation, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy.

• Surgery involves the removal of the affected lobe or a smaller portion of the lung, which is sufficient for treating early-stage cancer.

• Chemotherapy uses a combination of drugs to eliminate cancer cells, while radiation therapy employs intense energy beams to destroy the cancer cells.

• Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that uses high-frequency radio waves to generate heat, effectively targeting and eliminating tumor cells.

• Immunotherapy is a medication that helps the body recognize and kill cancer cells, while targeted drug therapy is a treatment option based on specific genetic mutations in cancer cells.

How to Prevent Lung Cancer Caused by Air Pollution?

Some of the steps you can take to reduce the risk of lung cancer are:

• Radon Testing: Because radon is a major health risk, people should have their homes tested for it.

• Avoiding Secondhand Smoke: Individuals can avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, especially in public areas. Do not smoke where smoking is allowed and do not smoke inside homes.

• Reducing Exposure to Workplace Chemicals: People who work with cancer-causing substances can talk to their employers about ways to minimize their exposure.

Conclusion

Lung cancer is a significant public health issue, causing 1.8 million deaths globally in 2020, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being more prevalent. There is a known link between air pollution and lung cancer, and recent research has identified a mechanism behind NSCLC caused by fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Early diagnosis and treatment help improve outcomes and reduce deaths from lung cancer. If you have any longstanding symptoms or breathing issues, consult a lung specialist for treatment.

Key Takeaways

• Air pollution may increase the risk of lung cancer even in people who have never smoked.

• Tiny particles in polluted air can damage lung cells over time and may contribute to the development of lung cancer.

• Limiting exposure to polluted air, avoiding secondhand smoke, and seeking medical advice for persistent respiratory symptoms can help reduce risk and support early detection.