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Airborne carcinogens

J Lewtas1

  • 1Health Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711.

Pharmacology & Toxicology
|January 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

Air pollution poses a significant cancer risk, with combustion sources like vehicle exhaust and tobacco smoke emitting harmful chemicals. Polycyclic organic matter (POM) from incomplete combustion is a major contributor to this risk.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Toxicology
  • Carcinogenesis

Background:

  • Air pollution contains over 2,800 identified chemicals, with only 10% assessed for carcinogenic effects.
  • Hydrocarbons, nitrogen-containing organics, and halogenated organics comprise 60% of studied airborne chemicals.
  • Combustion sources, including tobacco smoke and vehicle exhaust, emit the most potentially carcinogenic chemicals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the known cancer risks associated with airborne chemicals.
  • To identify major sources and types of airborne carcinogens.
  • To assess the contribution of various pollutants to human cancer risk.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of existing data on airborne chemical identification and bioassay evaluations.
  • Quantitative risk assessment of airborne carcinogens in outdoor and indoor environments.
  • Review of chemical similarities and genotoxic mechanisms of polycyclic organic matter (POM).

Main Results:

  • Polycyclic organic matter (POM) from products of incomplete combustion (PICs) is the largest contributor to human cancer risk from outdoor air pollution.
  • Motor vehicle emissions represent the greatest cancer risk in outdoor air.
  • Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and radon are primary indoor cancer risk sources.

Conclusions:

  • Significant uncertainties remain in identifying key airborne carcinogens and quantifying air pollution's cancer risk.
  • The role of atmospheric transformation products in human cancer requires further investigation.
  • Understanding emission source variations is crucial as cancer risk per exposure unit can differ significantly.

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