Why polluted air can cause lung cancer

smoking considered the largest ever risk factor for the construction of lung cancer, But even people who have never smoked and are rarely exposed to secondhand smoke can develop lung cancer – in many cases due to polluted air. How a research team first found out Air pollutants cause lung cancer capable.

researchers of Francis Crick Instituteof University College London Simultaneously cancer research uk is in Congress european society for medical oncology (ESMO) presented recent research, describing for the first time the mechanism through which air pollutants risk of lung cancer Raise.

air pollution lung cancer

According to the working group, approx. 250,000 people Lung cancer is caused by air pollution rather than smoking. Now, for the first time, a research group has been able to explain how small pollutant particles Air can cause lung cancer in non-smokers.

Responsible pollutant particles usually end up vehicle exhaust as well as about fossil fuel combustion In the air.

“The same airborne particles that come from burning fossil fuels and accelerate climate change directly affect human health through an important and previously unseen cancer-causing mechanism in lung cells”informed of Charles Swanton from the Francis Crick Institute.

We have no control over what we breathe

“The risk of developing lung cancer from air pollution is lower than from smoking, but we have no control over what we breathe”swanton explains

Because while people are largely free to decide whether or not to breathe in cigarette smoke, many people around the world are exposed to poor air quality without being able to avoid it.

Air pollutants cause mutations in the lungs

As part of the study, the researchers were able to demonstrate for the first time that particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 µm with an increased exposure of mutations in the lungs in the EGFR and KRAS genes.

Using data from nearly half a million people from England, South Korea and Taiwan, the scientists were able to prove that the risk of EGFR and KRAS mutations With increasing particulate matter concentration rises in the air.

In laboratory tests, the working group was also able to document specific air pollutant particles that rapid changes in airway cells Promoting mutations that cause mutations in the EGFR and KRAS genes. Such mutations are considered triggers for lung cancer,

The risk of lung cancer also increases with age

“We found that driver mutations in the EGFR and KRAS genes, which are common in lung cancer, are also present in normal lung tissue and are likely a consequence of aging.”Swanton says.

in laboratory tests, age related mutation There is only a slight increase in the risk of lung cancer. However, if added exposure to air pollutants, the risk of lung cancer increases significantly.

Not every mutated cell becomes a cancer cell

However, it is still unclear why some people have mutated lung cells. cancer cells develop and others do not. The team wants to clarify this in further studies. (VB)