THE IMPACT OF AIR POLLUTION ON THE OCCURRENCE OF LUNG CANCER: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Combustion of fossil fuels, industrial emissions, biomass and waste combustion results in an increase in the amount of harmful substances such as sulfur dioxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, ozone, particulate matter or aromatic hydrocarbons in the environment. The air full of pollutants that we all breathe affects our respiratory and cardiovascular systems and is also a factor leading to the development of cancer. The polluted air we breathe in every day drives the influx macrophages that release inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1β, accelerating the expansion of cells with EGFR mutations. Overexpression mutated EGFR gene is characteristic of non-small cell lung cancer. Adenocarcinoma is one of the most common lung cancers. It accounts for 40% of all types of lung cancer. In the European Union, Bulgaria and Poland are among the most polluted countries, while Sofia, Nicosia and Warsaw are the three most polluted capitals. Solid particles suspended in the air have been recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a factor group I carcinogen. The concentration of PM10 measured at regional background stations, i.e. outside the direct impact of traffic pollution and outside city centers, in Poland is almost the highest in Europe and amounts to over 60 µg/m3 with the standard up to 20 µg/m3. An adult person inhales 10-12 m3 of air per day, and with it inhales the pollutants contained in it into the body. The aim of our work was to examine the correlation between air pollution and lung cancer and to conclude that anyone may be at risk.