Study reveals PM2.5 exposure significantly raises head and neck cancer risk, with marginalized communities most affected, highlighting the need for targeted public health measuures. Study: Air pollution exposure and head and neck cancer incidence .
Image Credit: khunkornStudio/Shutterstock.com The harmful effects of air pollution on health, including an increased risk of cancer, have been well-documented. A new study in Scientific Reports highlights a specific link between PM2.
5 air pollution (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns) and a heightened risk of head and neck cancer (HNC). Air pollution and health risks Air pollution, defined as the contamination of indoor and outdoor environments by gases, ozone, and particulate matter (PM), is a known risk factor for various diseases, including lung, liver, and cardiovascular diseases.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies air pollution, particularly PM2.5 (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns), as a Group 1 carcinogen that causes lung cancer.
Cells in the head and neck are especially vulnerable to air pollution, including tobacco smoke, which contains numerous carcinogens. This exposure increases the risk of malignancies like squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, biological agents contribute to head and neck cancer (HNC) incidence, such as oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EB.
