A new study published on July 2 in Nature has found a strong link between air pollution and lung cancer in people who have never smoked. The research, led by researchers at the University of California San Diego and the National Cancer Institute, analyzed data from over 871 never-smokers living in 28 regions with different levels of air pollution across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.
The study found that individuals exposed to higher levels of air pollution had significantly more genetic mutations in their lung tumors, particularly driver mutations that promote cancer development. This association was seen even when comparing the genetic data of never-smokers with those who smoked.
Air pollution was linked to an increased number of somatic mutations, including those associated with tobacco smoking and aging. The researchers also found a dose-response relationship between air pollution exposure and lung tumor mutational burden.
In contrast, secondhand smoke exposure was not strongly correlated with genetic changes in lung tumors. However, the study did find that exposure to secondhand smoke led to shorter telomeres, which can be a sign of accelerated cellular aging.
The researchers also identified a new mutational signature linked to aristolochic acid, a carcinogen found in certain traditional Chinese herbal medicines. This finding raises concerns about the potential health risks associated with these remedies and highlights the need for further research.
The study’s authors suggest that air pollution may be contributing to the increasing trend of lung cancer among never-smokers. The findings have important implications for public health policy and highlight the need for more research into the effects of environmental exposures on cancer risk.
As the tobacco industry continues to decline in many parts of the world, this growing concern highlights the importance of addressing the remaining risks associated with smoking and other environmental factors.
Source: https://today.ucsd.edu/story/air-pollution-may-contribute-to-development-of-lung-cancer-in-never-smokers-new-study-finds