Pollution is the second leading cause of lung cancer

Cigarette smoking is known to be one of the main causes of the development of lung cancer, but not the only one. However, air pollution, with its pathogens, can worsen the course of the tumor.

I study

The identification of air pollutants, their measurement and applied mechanisms of carcinogenesis were the highlights of the working group proposed by the Committee on Early Detection of the International Association on Lung Cancer Research. Two groups of people were taken into consideration, those who have never smoked and those who smoke regularly, to evaluate risk prediction models, developing recommended actions.

The results

With the decrease in smoking and the increase in air pollution, the number of deaths from lung cancer increased by 30% since 2007, leading to a decree, in 2013, by group 1 of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, l Air pollution (particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns in the air) is carcinogenic to humans and the main cause of the development of lung cancer. It must be considered that the levels of air pollution vary greatly depending on the geographical position, as well as classifying the risks for the population living there differently. To reduce the development of lung cancer and reduce its risk, it is essential to raise awareness about reducing exposure to polluting sources and agents. A first step should be taken by hospital-healthcare facilities, which by reducing their own environmental waste, would help bring out the sustainability and resilience of the surrounding environment, promoting useful and effective actions to reduce pollution in the air.

Corriere della Sera also on Whatsapp. sufficient click here to subscribe to the channel and always be updated.