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Polonium and lung cancer
Vincenzo Zagà1, Charilaos Lygidakis, Kamal Chaouachi
1Department of Territorial Pneumotisiology, AUSL of Bologna, 40124 Bologna, Italy.
Journal of Oncology
|July 21, 2011
Summary
Polonium 210 (Po-210), a radioactive carcinogen in tobacco smoke, shifts lung cancer types. Fertilizers used in tobacco cultivation are the primary source of this radioactive element.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Radiological Health
- Oncology
Background:
- Tobacco smoke contains alpha-radioactive polonium 210 (Po-210), a potent carcinogen.
- Po-210 is linked to a shift in lung cancer histology from squamous cell carcinoma to adenocarcinoma.
- The primary source of Po-210 in tobacco is fertilizers containing radium-226 (Ra-226) and its decay products, lead-210 (Pb-210) and Po-210.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin and mechanism of Po-210 accumulation in tobacco.
- To elucidate the role of Po-210 in the pathogenesis of lung cancer in smokers.
- To quantify the radiological risk associated with Po-210 exposure from smoking.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on Po-210 in tobacco and its health effects.
- Analysis of the radioactive decay chain from Ra-226 to Po-210 in tobacco plants.
- Assessment of Po-210 distribution within the bronchopulmonary system of smokers.
Main Results:
- Tobacco leaves accumulate Pb-210 and Po-210 via trichomes, with ongoing decay of Pb-210 to Po-210.
- Combustion releases radioactive Po-210 and Pb-210 into cigarette smoke, concentrating in bronchial bifurcations.
- The annual radiological risk for a smoker is equivalent to 300 chest X-rays, with Po-210 contributing significantly to lung cancer incidence.
Conclusions:
- Po-210 in tobacco smoke is a significant oncogenic agent, contributing to lung cancer development and histotype changes.
- Fertilizer-derived radioactivity is the main source of Po-210 in tobacco.
- Po-210 poses a radiological risk not only to active smokers but also through passive smoke exposure.
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