Air pollution and lung cancer: a comprehensive review

Since 2013, air pollution has been recognised as a definite carcinogen by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer). This follows major international epidemiological studies, which now show that people living in a polluted environment are more likely to die of lung cancer. Worldwide, air pollution is the second leading cause of premature death and is estimated to be responsible for around 14 % of lung cancers. Fine particles (PM2.5) are particularly studied for their carcinogenic potential, and recent discoveries have given us a better understanding of their pathophysiological link with certain types of cancer, particularly those harboring mutations in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). The lung-cancer research community and clinical scientists should work to reduce sources of atmospheric pollution in the interests of public health, which must be accompanied by an effective fight against climate change, main announced cause of a deterioration in the quality of our common air.