Air Pollution and Cancer: What We Know

When people search for air pollution and cancer, they’re usually looking for a clear answer without alarmism. The short answer is that long-term exposure to polluted air has been linked to certain cancers, especially lung cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over seven million people die each year from exposure to air pollution (including outdoor and household air pollution), which can increase the risk of multiple diseases, including lung cancer.

It’s no surprise then that air pollution has been associated with lung cancer. Research has also explored possible links between air pollution and other cancers, which we’ll explain below in plain language.

What Does Air Pollution Mean?

Air pollution refers to dirty air from multiple sources in our environment. Pollution from numerous sources exists in today’s cities and metropolitan areas.

These include:

• Factories and industrial facilities
• Cars, trucks, and other vehicles
• Power generation
• Domestic burning and fuel use

According to the American Cancer Society, the majority of the world’s population now lives in areas where air pollution levels exceed the World Health Organization’s health-based air-quality guidelines.

Air pollution can include tiny particles in the air, often called particulate matter (PM), as well as traffic-related gases such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

What Science Says About Air Pollution and Cancer

Air pollution has been associated with lung cancer. Large public health organizations have concluded that long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution increases the risk of lung cancer.

According to the American Association for Cancer Research, a study revealed that pollution is linked to an increased risk of death from a variety of other cancers, including:

• Breast cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer

Long-term air pollution exposure has also been associated with:

• Lung cancer
• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Premature death

These findings describe associations observed in research and do not mean that every person exposed to pollution will develop cancer.

A 2018 review identified 17 studies exploring the link between air pollution and breast cancer. Based on this research, scientists have noted a few key details:

Because these findings can vary widely across groups, research is ongoing to better understand the exact connections.

How Does Polluted Air Affect the Body?

Air pollution can quickly irritate your respiratory system. These symptoms are often more noticeable for people with asthma or other chronic lung conditions:

• Shortness of breath
• Coughing and wheezing
• Asthma attacks
• Chest tightness

Extended exposure to polluted air is also associated with severe health risks, including:

• Lung cancer
• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Premature death

Very small pollutants, known as particulate matter (PM), can travel deep into your lungs. Research suggests that a small fraction of ultrafine particles may move from the lungs' air sacs (the alveolar space) into the bloodstream.

Because our blood circulates throughout the entire body, scientists are actively studying how long-term exposure might impact organs beyond the lungs. However, while this research is ongoing, the strongest and most consistent evidence remains tied to lung and cardiovascular (heart) conditions.

Practical Ways to Reduce Air Pollution

Most of the sources of outdoor air pollution in cities are outside of anyone’s control. Individuals, cities, and national and international leaders can encourage cleaner transportation, more efficient energy generation, and better waste management.

We can all help reduce air pollution by avoiding additional sources of pollution. Small everyday choices can add up over time.

At home:

• Conserve energy at home and at work
• Look for the “energy star” label when buying equipment
• Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products
• Mulch or compost leaves and yard waste

On the road:

• Carpool, use public transportation, bike, or walk when possible
• Follow gasoline refueling instructions and tighten your gas cap securely
• Keep your car, boat, and other engines properly tuned
• Be sure your tires are properly inflated

For heating and fuel storage:

• Consider reducing or avoiding indoor wood burning when possible
• Consider purchasing portable gasoline containers labeled “spill-proof,” where available

Support, Navigation, and Next Steps

A cancer diagnosis affects everyone differently. It’s always better to be well-informed in case you or your loved ones are diagnosed.

At ACTC Health, our team cares for every patient the way we care for loved ones, and we define success as care we’d accept for our own family. We offer same-day consults when possible, and treatment start is limited only by insurance approval. Call 352-345-4565 or book an appointment.