Deciphering the Code between Air Pollution and Disease: The Effect of Particulate Matter on Cancer Hallmarks

Abstract

Air pollution has been recognized as a global health problem, causing around 7 million deaths worldwide and representing one of the highest environmental crises that we are now facing. Close to 30% of new lung cancer cases are associated with air pollution, and the impact is more evident in major cities. In this review, we summarize and discuss the evidence regarding the effect of particulate matter (PM) and its impact in carcinogenesis, considering the “hallmarks of cancer” described by Hanahan and Weinberg in 2000 and 2011 as a guide to describing the findings that support the impact of particulate matter during the cancer continuum.

Cancer burden in China: trends, risk factors and prevention

“…Increasing knowledge about the carcinogenic effects of air pollution has become available. Complex components of particulate matter exhibit high carcinogenic potential through several mechanisms 102 . In 2013, outdoor air pollution and particulate matter from outdoor air pollution were listed as carcinogenic to humans by the IARC Working Group 103 .…”

The health toll of air pollution

“…A recent study found that mechanisms of carcinogenicity induced by particulates involve different cellular responses, with synergies and antagonisms between components. Testing a carcinogen with multiple components and multiple effects is therefore more complex for particulates than the other air pollutants (Santibáñez‐Andrade et al , ).…”

Complex PM2.5 Pollution and Hospital Admission for Respiratory Diseases over Big Data in Cloud Environment

“…Farhat et al [24] figured out that air pollution could greatly increase the probability of children suffering from respiratory diseases. e outdoor air pollution was classified by WHO (World Health Organization) as a cancer-causing agent [25] in 2013; their research shows that outdoor air pollution significantly adds the incidence of lung cancer and increases the risk of bladder cancer.…”