Air pollution may increase risk for prostate, colorectal, breast, endometrial cancers: Harvard study
Air pollution may increase risk for prostate, colorectal, breast, endometrial cancers: Harvard study Boston Herald
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Outdoor Air Pollution Increases Risk of Non-Lung Cancer in Older Adults
A new study conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has found that outdoor air pollution can raise the risk of non-lung cancer in older adults. The research reveals that even low levels of air pollution exposure can increase the chances of developing prostate, colorectal, breast, and endometrial cancers.
Impact of Air Pollution on Cancer Risk
The study, which analyzed data from millions of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 or older, discovered that chronic exposure to fine particulate air pollutants (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) over a 10-year period significantly increased the risk of developing cancer. While previous research has established the link between air pollution and lung cancer, this study also highlights the connection between air pollution and other types of cancer such as prostate, colorectal, and endometrial cancer.
Importance of Sustainable Development Goals
The findings of this study align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. By recognizing air pollution as a crucial risk factor in the development of specific cancers, this research emphasizes the importance of addressing air pollution to ensure equitable access to clean air for all populations.
Effects of PM2.5 and NO2 Exposure
The researchers created separate cohorts for each type of cancer and estimated individual exposures over a 10-year period by linking beneficiaries’ ZIP codes to a predictive map of PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations across the country. The study revealed that chronic exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 increased the risk of developing colorectal and prostate cancers.
- For breast cancer, NO2 exposure was associated with a lower risk, while the association for PM2.5 was inconclusive. However, in regions with significantly lower air pollution levels and stable PM2.5 composition, the effect on breast cancer risk was more pronounced.
- Stronger links between pollutant exposures and endometrial cancer risk were found at lower pollution levels.
Inadequacy of Air Pollution Standards
The study also highlighted the inadequacy of current air pollution standards in protecting public health. The researchers found substantial associations between exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 and the risks of all four cancers, even in communities with seemingly clean air and pollution levels below World Health Organization guidelines. The senior author of the study, Professor Joel Schwartz, emphasized the need for stricter standards to regulate these pollutants in order to prevent thousands of unnecessary cases of multiple cancers each year.
Conclusion
This study provides further evidence of the detrimental effects of outdoor air pollution on cancer risk, particularly in older adults. It underscores the urgency of addressing air pollution as a global health issue and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals’ aim of promoting good health and well-being for all.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 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 | Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population-weighted) |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula |
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
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to these three SDGs.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination
- Target 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
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The article’s content relates to these specific targets.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution
- Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population-weighted)
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula
The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
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: bostonherald.com
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