Lung cancer burden attributable to ambient particulate matter: a nationally representative population-based...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Epidemiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Particulate matter (PM2.5) is a known lung carcinogen.
• Its impact in low-pollution settings requires further investigation.
• This study focuses on Northern Ireland, a region with relatively low air pollution levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the association between long-term PM2.5 exposure and lung cancer risk in Northern Ireland.
• To evaluate the impact of PM2.5 in a low-pollution environment.
• To determine the population attributable fraction of lung cancer due to PM2.5.

Main Methods:

• Population-based case-control study utilizing Northern Ireland Cancer Registry and the NI Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing.
• Estimated 8-year average PM2.5 exposure using residential postcodes linked to 1km² resolution pollution maps.
• Logistic regression models adjusted for smoking status and deprivation index.

Main Results:

• Higher PM2.5 exposure was associated with increased lung cancer risk (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.12-1.68).
• The association was more pronounced in women (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.32-2.44).
• PM2.5 exposure above 10 µg/m³ accounted for 10% of lung cancer cases, estimating 137 preventable cases annually.

Conclusions:

• PM2.5 exposure contributes to lung cancer risk even in low-pollution regions.
• Women appear to be more susceptible to PM2.5-related lung cancer.
• Strengthened air quality measures are essential for reducing preventable lung cancer incidence.