By Admin at 13 May 2016, 13:32 PM
Components of air pollution--diesel engine exhaust, solvents, metals, and dust, for instance—have long been known risk factors for cancer. But in 2013, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified outdoor air pollution as a whole as a cancer-causing agent linked to an increased risk of lung and bladder cancers.
Now new research involving residents of Hong Kong also found that long-term exposure to fine particles of air pollution—the type released from vehicles, power plants and manufacturing facilities—may increase your risk of dying from multiple types of cancer
The study specifically looked into the long-term effects of particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 μm (PM2.5). These fine particles are the main cause of smog or haze in certain regions, and pose a significant health risk because of their very small size.
Fine particulate matter can easily find its way deep into your lungs and may enter your bloodstream. The new study, which was published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, found even small increases in exposure to fine particulate matter may raise cancer death risk
Overall, the risk of dying from cancer increased 22 percent with every additional 10 mcg/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter) of exposure. In addition, exposure to increased levels of the air pollution were tied to a:
Susan Gapstur, vice president for epidemiology at the American Cancer Society, told HealthDay News, "This study adds to a growing body of evidence that air pollution may be associated with cancers other than lung cancer.”
It’s thought air pollution may increase cancer risk by increasing inflammation that promotes the growth of new blood vessels that allow cancer to spread. It may also affect your immune response and body’s ability to repair defects in DNA.
The researchers believe the risks likely extend to other urban areas in addition to Hong Kong. In the U.S., for example, the American Lung Association named several regions in California (Los Angeles, Long Beach, Bakersfield, Sacramento, Fresno and others) as among the worst cities for air pollution. Phoenix, Arizona, Las Vegas, Nevada and Denver, Colorado were also mentioned.
If you live in a heavily polluted area, check the Air Quality Index (AQI) before spending time outdoors (especially for long periods or to exercise). The higher the AQI, the worse the air quality (an AQI of over 150 is unhealthy and an AQI over 100 may be unhealthy for those at high risk).
Ultimately, however, outdoor air pollution most be curbed at its source. Study author G. Neil Thomas of the University of Birmingham in England, told HealthDay News:
"We should therefore be aiming to limit our exposure, for instance, through legislation to force machine manufacturers, particularly for cars and trucks, into maximizing engine efficiencies that will minimize such particulates in exhaust gases and switching to non-fossil fueled engines.”
Sources:
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention April 29, 2016
HealthDay News April 29, 2016
American Lung Association, State of the Air 2016
American Cancer Society
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