Can Air Pollution Cause Cancer?

April 29, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's

Cancer

Yes, exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), has classified outdoor air pollution as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is carcinogenic to humans.

Air pollution contains various harmful substances, including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), among others. Prolonged exposure to these pollutants, especially in urban and industrial areas with high levels of pollution, has been associated with an elevated risk of lung cancer, as well as other cancers such as bladder cancer.

Additionally, indoor air pollution, which can arise from sources such as cooking with solid fuels (e.g., wood or coal), tobacco smoke, and certain building materials, has also been linked to cancer risk.

Reducing exposure to air pollution through measures such as improving air quality standards, promoting cleaner energy sources, and using appropriate ventilation systems can help mitigate the risk of cancer and other health effects associated with air pollution.

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