Long-term air pollution exposure increases breast cancer risk by 28%

Long-Term Exposure to Air Pollution Linked to Increased Breast Cancer Risk

A recent study has found a link between long-term exposure to fine particle air pollution and an increased risk of breast cancer. This research adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the dangers of air pollution and emphasizes the need for its reduction.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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

Breast cancer is currently the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Known risk factors include age, obesity, harmful use of alcohol, smoking, and a family history of breast cancer.

A new study, to be presented at the upcoming European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2023 in Madrid, Spain, has identified another risk factor: fine particle air pollution. Researchers examined the relationship between long-term exposure to fine particle air pollution and the risk of breast cancer.

Lead author Béatrice Fervers stated, “Our data showed a statistically significant association between long-term exposure to fine particle air pollution, whether at home or at work, and the risk of breast cancer. This contrasts with previous research that only considered fine particle exposure where women lived, which showed minimal or no effects on breast cancer risk.”

Understanding Fine Particulate Matter

Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, refers to tiny particles or droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. Outdoor air contains PM2.5 emissions from the combustion of gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, or wood. Indoor activities such as pets, mold, cleaning products, smoking tobacco, and burning wood and candles can also generate PM2.5. Larger particles, known as PM10, are 10 microns or less in diameter.

Study Findings

The researchers compared home and workplace exposure to pollution in 2,419 women with breast cancer and 2,984 women without breast cancer from 1990 to 2011. They found that breast cancer risk increased by 28% when exposure to PM2.5 increased by 10 µg/m³, which is approximately equivalent to the difference in PM2.5 concentration typically seen in rural versus urban areas of Europe. Women exposed to high levels of PM10 or nitrogen dioxide, another air pollutant, showed a smaller increase in breast cancer risk.

Charles Swanton from the Francis Crick Institute, London, who presented research on how PM2.5 may trigger lung cancer in non-smokers at last year’s ESMO Congress, explained, “These very small particles can penetrate deep into the lung and get into the bloodstream, where they are absorbed into breast and other tissues. There is already evidence that air pollutants can change the architecture of the breast. It will be important to test if pollutants allow cells in breast tissue with pre-existing mutations to expand and drive tumor promotion, possibly through inflammatory processes similar to our observations in non-smokers with lung cancer.”

Implications and Urgent Need for Further Studies

The researchers believe that their findings contribute to the growing evidence regarding the health risks associated with air pollutants. They emphasize the urgent need for additional studies.

Charles Swanton stated, “It is very concerning that small pollutant particles in the air, as well as microplastic particles of similar size, are entering the environment when we do not yet understand their potential to promote cancer. There is an urgent need to conduct laboratory studies to investigate the effects of these small air pollutant particles on the latency, grade, aggression, and progression of breast tumors.”

Conclusion

The study linking long-term exposure to fine particle air pollution with an increased risk of breast cancer underscores the importance of addressing air pollution as a public health concern. It aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 13: Climate Action. Efforts to reduce air pollution and conduct further research are crucial in order to protect human health and achieve a sustainable future.

Source: ESMO

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

The article addresses the issue of the health risks posed by air pollution, specifically fine particle air pollution, and its connection to breast cancer. This aligns with SDG 3, which focuses on promoting good health and well-being. Additionally, the article highlights the need to reduce air pollution, which is relevant to SDG 11, which aims to create sustainable cities and communities. Lastly, the article mentions the association between air pollution and climate change, linking it to SDG 13, which focuses on climate action.

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

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are Target 3.9 under SDG 3, Target 11.6 under SDG 11, and Target 13.2 under SDG 13.

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

Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The indicators include:

• Long-term exposure to fine particle air pollution linked to increased risk of breast cancer (Indicator for Target 3.9)
• Fine particle air pollution from combustion and indoor activities (Indicator for Target 11.6)
• Association between long-term exposure to fine particle air pollution and breast cancer risk (Indicator for Target 13.2)

These indicators provide measurable data and evidence to track progress towards the identified targets.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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: newatlas.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.