Really bad. It causes cancer. And NOT just lung cancer.
In this article, Senior Oncologist, explains how air pollution wins its ultimate medal, cancer. Read on to understand the science behind PM 2.5 and cancer.
What exactly is air pollution?
Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the air we breathe. It includes a mixture of different substances like fumes from cars, smoke from burning crop wastes, construction work and natural substances like dust.
How does particulate matter PM 2.5 causes cancer?
- Injury from free radical per-oxidation
- Acceleration of DNA damage
- Inflammatory injury
First things first, air pollution is not just associated with lung cancer. There is substantial evidence it is a risk factor for breast cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The air we breathe is infested with cancer-causing substances and has been classified as carcinogenic to human beings.
In 2013, outdoor air pollution was identified as a cause of cancer by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It has been designated as a carcinogen because it directly correlates with increased risk of cancer apart from causes such as smoking and obesity. The fact that nobody is immune to air pollution is important.
The only way forward for humanity is to collectively check air pollution. Given the extent of challenges, gradual deceleration may be a better option than trying to fix this problem at one go. There is an urgent need for strong legislation, regular bans on carcinogenic pollutants, and environment restoration projects.