Dr Prasanta Raghab Mohapatra, dean (academic), professor of pulmonary medicine and critical care at AIIMS Bhubaneswar , speaks to TOI about the risk factors of lung cancer Is there any link between pollution and lung cancer? The link between pollution and lung cancer is well-established, particularly concerning outdoor air pollution and exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other harmful pollutants. Fine particulate matter (PM2.
5), tiny particles that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, and long-term exposure to high levels of PM2.5 is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.
PM2.5 is primarily produced by vehicle emissions, industrial processes, power plants and residential heating. Even prolonged exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a gas produced by burning fuel, has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer since it contributes to respiratory inflammation and can aggravate pre-existing lung conditions.
Others include ground-level ozone, industrial emissions like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known carcinogens, chemical pollutants, indoor air pollution, particularly from burning biomass fuels. Individuals working in sectors like mining, construction and manufacturing that have a high exposure to dust, fumes and chemicals are at an increased risk of lung cancer due to prolonged exposure to air-borne pollutants. Air pollution causes chronic inflammation and oxidative str.
