PM<sub>2.5</sub> Pollution and Risk for Lung Cancer: A Rising Issue in China

Abstract

This study is focused on the linkage between lung cancer incidence rates and PM 2.5 pollution. Researches conducted by leading research organizations in U.S. and Europe were reviewed and analyzed, and strong evidence exists that elevated fine particulate air pollution exposures are associated with significant increases in lung cancer mortality. The linkage between fine particulate air pollution and lung cancer motility is observed even after controlling for cigarette smoking, occupational exposure, and other risk factors. This finding is in alignment with observations in China which show an upward trend of lung cancer incidences coupled with a downward trend in the number of smokers. Currently, China lacks systematic research on the effect of PM2.5 on lung cancer. As a result, this paper investigated studies on the linkage between pollution and lung cancer incidence from decades of research conducted in the U.S. and Europe. One important step in solving this issue in China is through classifying PM 2.5 pollution as a human cacinogen. Adequate government regulation, public awareness, regional collaboration and industrial compliance are also key to the successful control of PM 2.5 pollution and smog.

Incidence rate of lung cancer in urban Shijiazhuang in 2012 with prevention implication

“…Researchers have long suspected that indoor air pollution by unventilated cooking may be a complicating factor . Outdoor air pollution has also reached epidemic levels in the Beijing, Tianjin, and Shijiazhuang metropolitan areas in recent years . In December 2012, the Global Burden of Disease analyses were published in The Lancet .…”

“…When suspended in the atmosphere, PM2.5 particles are the major cause of reduced visibility. Beijing experienced 124 foggy days in 2012, and the situation in Shijiazhuang is even worse . On such days, the concentration of PM2.5 leveled off at 250–750 μg/m 3 , which is 10 times above the internationally recommended standard (the PM2.5 standard implemented in the US in 2006 was an annual average under 15 μg/m 3 and a 24‐hour average under 35 μg/m 3 ) …”

“…Beijing experienced 124 foggy days in 2012, and the situation in Shijiazhuang is even worse. 22 On such days, the concentration of PM2.5 leveled off at 250-750 μg/m 3 , which is 10 times above the internationally recommended standard (the PM2.5 standard implemented in the US in 2006 was an annual average under 15 μg/m 3 and a 24-hour average under 35 μg/m 3 ). 22 According to a 2013 report by the International Health Effects Institute, outdoor air pollution in China was ranked as the fourth leading risk for loss of life expectancy.…”

“…1 Outdoor air pollution has also reached epidemic levels in the Beijing, Tianjin, and Shijiazhuang metropolitan areas in recent years. 22 In December 2012, the Global Burden of Disease analyses were published in The Lancet. 23 As part of that effort, in 2005, the average concentration of particulate matter in diameter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) in the air was estimated across the world.…”

Removal Efficiency of Bimodal PM2.5 and PM10 by Electret Respirators and Mechanical Engine Intake Filters

“…There are extremely high PM 2.5 (particulate matter < 2.5 µm) and PM 10 (particulate matter < 10 µm) concentrations monitored with above 500 µg m -3 a couple of times per year (Kim and Kim 2003;Yang et al, 2011;Guo et al, 2014;Hu and Jiang 2014;Zheng et al, 2015). PM pollution is already known to increase risks for a wide range of health effects, such as respiratory and heart diseases and allergic conjunctivitis (He et al, 2001;Pope and Dockery, 2006;Mills et al, 2009;Brook et al, 2010;Mimura et al, 2014).…”