2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (Posters)-P1.01. Amelioration of the Toll of Air Pollution on Lung Cancer

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Air pollution is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and it can increase the risk of developing the disease even in non-smokers. In response to this issue, the Early Detection and Screening Committee of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer formed a working group to explore the relationship between air pollution and lung cancer. The group conducted a comprehensive review of the current evidence on the identification of air pollutants, their measurement, mechanisms of carcinogenesis, burden of disease, and epidemiologic evidence linking air pollution to lung cancer in individuals who have never smoked and those who have.<br /><br />The review found that outdoor air pollution and particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5) are classified as carcinogenic to humans and a cause of lung cancer by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Lung cancer deaths attributable to air pollution have increased by nearly 30% since 2007, while smoking rates have decreased. The Global Burden of Disease study estimated that 15% of global lung cancer deaths are attributable to PM2.5 in outdoor air.<br /><br />Long-term exposure to fine particle air pollutants can cause genotoxicity and mutagenicity, increasing the risk of lung cancer through inflammatory damage, reactive oxygen species production, and oxidative DNA damage. Prolonged air pollution exposure may also increase the incidence of lung cancer. Additionally, there is a significant association between PM2.5 and EGFR mutant-driven lung cancer, which is common in non-smokers.<br /><br />To address this issue, the World Health Organization recommends limiting exposure to PM2.5 to an annual average level of 5 µg/m3 and a 24-hour exposure of 15 µg/m3. Advocacy is needed to raise awareness and promote the use of mitigating measures such as masks and air filters. Understanding exposure levels and incorporating them into risk models can help identify individuals at high risk for lung cancer and inform screening efforts.<br /><br />Overall, this review highlights the need to combat air pollution to reduce the toll it takes on lung cancer. The IASLC community, particularly the Early Detection and Screening Committee, is encouraged to engage in efforts to address this issue.

Asset Subtitle

Renelle Myers

Meta Tag

Speaker Renelle Myers

Topic Risk Factors, Risk Reduction & Tobacco Control

Keywords

air pollution

lung cancer

non-smokers

Early Detection and Screening Committee

International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer

carcinogenic

particulate matter

PM2.5

genotoxicity

risk models