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Published on: July 12, 2024
Air pollution: A culprit of lung cancer
Yueguang Xue1, Liuxiang Wang1, Yiming Zhang2
1School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China; CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nano safety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, PR China; Henan Institute of advanced technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, PR China.
Abstract:
Air pollution is a global health problem, especially in the context of rapid economic development and the expansion of urbanization. Herein, we discuss the harmful effects of outdoor and indoor pollution on the lungs. Ambient particulate matters (PMs) from industrial and vehicle exhausts is associated with lung cancer. Workers exposed to asbestos, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and toxic metals are also likely to develop lung cancer. Indoors, cooking fumes, second-hand smoke, and radioactive products from house decoration materials play roles in the development of lung cancer. Bacteria and viruses can also be detrimental to health and are important risk factors in lung inflammation and cancer. Specific effects of lung cancer caused by air pollution are discussed in detail, including inflammation, DNA damage, and epigenetic regulation. In addition, advanced materials for personal protection, as well as the current government policies to prevent air pollution, are summarized. This review provides a basis for future research on the relationship between lung cancer and air pollution.
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