Air pollution linked to increased risk of non-lung cancer in older adults

Chronic Air Pollution Exposure Increases Non-Lung Cancer Risk in Older Adults

A study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has found that chronic exposure to fine particulate air pollutants (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) may increase the risk of non-lung cancers in older adults. The study, which analyzed data from millions of Medicare beneficiaries, revealed that exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 over a 10-year period elevated the risk of developing colorectal and prostate cancers. Additionally, even low levels of air pollution were found to make individuals more susceptible to breast and endometrial cancers.

“Our findings uncover the biological plausibility of air pollution as a crucial risk factor in the development of specific cancers, bringing us one step closer to understanding the impact of air pollution on human health. To ensure equitable access to clean air for all populations, we must fully define the effects of air pollution and then work towards reducing it.”

– Yaguang Wei, Research Fellow, Department of Environmental Health

The study was published online on August 1, 2023, in Environmental Epidemiology.

Examining the Impact of Air Pollution on Non-Lung Cancers

While the association between air pollution and lung cancer has been well-established, limited research has focused on its effects on other types of cancer such as prostate, colorectal, and endometrial cancer.

For this study, researchers analyzed data from national Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 or older, collected between 2000 and 2016. All participants were cancer-free for at least the initial 10 years of the study. Separate cohorts were created for each type of cancer, with each cohort consisting of between 2.2 million and 6.5 million subjects. The researchers conducted separate analyses to examine cancer risk under the influence of air pollutants for various subgroups based on factors such as age, sex (for colorectal cancer only), race/ethnicity, average BMI, and socioeconomic status.

Using multiple sources of air pollution data, the researchers developed a predictive map of PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations across the contiguous U.S. This map was then linked to the residential ZIP codes of the beneficiaries to estimate individual exposures over a 10-year period.

Findings and Implications

The nationwide analysis revealed that chronic exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 increased the risk of developing colorectal and prostate cancers. However, no significant association was found between these air pollutants and endometrial cancer risk. In the case of breast cancer, NO2 exposure was associated with a decreased risk, while the association with PM2.5 was inconclusive. The researchers suggested that the mixed associations may be attributed to variations in the chemical composition of PM2.5, which is a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles.

When the analysis was limited to regions with air pollution levels significantly below national standards and stable PM2.5 composition, the impact of air pollutants on breast cancer risk became more pronounced. Stronger associations between exposures to both pollutants and endometrial cancer risk were also observed at lower pollution levels.

Subgroup analysis indicated that communities with higher average BMI may face disproportionately higher risks of all four cancers from NO2 exposure. Additionally, Black Americans and those enrolled in Medicaid may be more susceptible to cancer risks (prostate and breast, respectively) from PM2.5 exposure.

The researchers emphasized that even communities with seemingly clean air were not immune to cancer risk. They discovered significant associations between exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 and the risks of all four cancers, even at pollution levels below the newly updated World Health Organization guidelines, which are stricter than current U.S. standards.

“The key message here is that U.S. air pollution standards are inadequate in protecting public health,” said senior author Joel Schwartz, professor of environmental epidemiology. “The Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed stricter standards for PM2.5, but their proposal doesn’t go far enough in regulating this pollutant. Current NO2 standards are also woefully inadequate. Unless all of these standards become much, much stricter, air pollution will continue to result in thousands of unnecessary cases of multiple cancers each year.”

Other authors from Harvard Chan School include Edgar Castro, Cristina Su Liu, Xinye Qiu, James Healy, and Bryan Vu.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution.
• Indicator for SDG 11.6: Air quality index in cities.
• Indicator for SDG 13.2: Integration of climate change measures in national policies and strategies.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

The article addresses the issues of air pollution and its impact on cancer risk, specifically colorectal, prostate, breast, and endometrial cancers. These issues are connected to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) as they involve the health impacts of air pollution on older adults. Additionally, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) is relevant as it focuses on reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities, including air quality. Lastly, SDG 13 (Climate Action) is connected as it emphasizes the integration of climate change measures into policies and strategies.

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are SDG 3.9, SDG 11.6, and SDG 13.2. SDG 3.9 aims to reduce deaths and illnesses from air pollution and hazardous chemicals. SDG 11.6 focuses on reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities, with a specific emphasis on air quality. SDG 13.2 aims to integrate climate change measures into national policies and strategies.

The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets. For SDG 3.9, the indicator is the number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution. For SDG 11.6, the indicator is the air quality index in cities. For SDG 13.2, the indicator is the integration of climate change measures in national policies and strategies.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: news-medical.net

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