What Causes Lung Cancer?

Pollution

Some individuals may develop lung cancer as a result of pollution exposure combined with other predisposing factors. Particle pollution refers to a blend of liquid and solid particles in the outdoor air composed of many substances such as those in vehicle exhaust, produced by industrial sources, organic chemicals, smoke, soil, dust, metals, and many others. The smallest form of such particles that carry the concern of causing lung cancer are referred to as PM2.5. These particles are inhaled into the lungs and are too small to be expelled from the body through the mechanisms put in place that are meant to help remove substances. The small particles bury into the tissues of the lungs and cause cellular damage and an inflammatory process to occur. Additionally, the substances in the PM2.5 particles themselves are known to produce mutagenic activity in the cells directly. This mutagenic activity means the particles stimulate changes to the DNA in the cells, which can alter the ability of the cells to grow, multiply, and end their life cycle when they should. Eventually, the particles in the air pollution produce more DNA alterations in the lung cells then what the body can keep up with, leading to the development of cancer.

Read more about risk factors for developing lung cancer now.