Air pollutants likely to increase cancer risk

A recent study has shown that for every 10 micrograms per cubic metre of increased exposure to PM2.5, the risk of dying from any cancer rose by 22%

Long-term exposure to environmental pollutants could be associated with an increased risk of mortality for many types of cancer, a new study has warned.

The findings add to a growing concern around the health risks of prolonged exposure to ambient fine particulate matter, researchers from the University of Birmingham and University of Hong Kong said.

Particulate matter comprises particles found in the air, including hydrocarbons and heavy metals produced by transportation and power generation, among other sources.

The study focused on ambient fine particulate matter, or matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5). For every 10 micrograms per cubic metre of increased exposure to PM2.5, the risk of dying from any cancer rose by 22 per cent.

“The implications for other similar cities around the world are that PM2.5 must be reduced to reduce the health burden. Air pollution remains a clear, modifiable public health concern,” said Neil Thomas from University of Birmingham.

“Long-term exposure to particulate matter has been associated with mortality mainly from cardiopulmonary causes and lung cancer, but there have been few studies showing an association with mortality from other cancers,” said Thuan Quoc Thach from University of Hong Kong. “We suspected that these particulates could have an equivalent effect on cancers elsewhere in the body.”

Researchers recruited 66,280 people aged 65 or older between 1998 and 2001, and followed the subjects until 2011, ascertaining causes of death from Hong Kong registrations. Annual concentrations of PM2.5 at their homes were estimated using data from satellite and fixed-site monitors.

Increases of 10 micrograms per cubic metre of PM2.5 was associated with a 42 per cent increased risk of mortality from cancer in the upper digestive tract and a 35 per cent increased risk of mortality from accessory digestive organs, which include liver, bile ducts, gall bladder, and pancreas.

For women, every 10 micrograms per cubic metre increase in exposure to PM2.5 was associated with an 80 per cent increased risk of mortality from breast cancer. Men experienced a 36 per cent increased risk of dying of lung cancer for every 10 micrograms per cubic metre increased exposure to PM2.5, researchers said.

They believe possible explanations for the association between PM2.5 and cancer could include defects in DNA repair function, alterations in the body’s immune response, or inflammation that triggers angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels that allows tumours to spread.