Our health is linked to that of our environmentand air quality is a major public and environmental health issue. Air pollution caused 8.1 million deaths worldwide in 2021, says the World Health Organization (WHO). This pollution refers to the presence in the air of gases and particles harmful to health and the environment. These pollutants result either from human activities such as agriculture, industry, transport or heating, or from natural phenomena, indicates the Ministry of Territorial Partnership, Ecological Transition and Housing.
While many territories in France exceed the WHO guide values, according to current standards or those envisaged for 2030, as highlighted in a report from the ministries on the situation in France, a new study underlines the urgency of the situation. Scientists from Wayne State University and Mass General Brigham Health Center have revealed a link between high exposure to air pollution and an increase in cases of head and neck cancers.
A study warns of the effects of fine particles on the risk of developing head and neck cancers
To conduct this study, researchers used data from a large national cancer monitoring database in the United States, containing information on the type of cancer, age and demographic characteristics of patients. The researchers combined this health data with specific environmental data like air pollution levels for each region, measured by the concentration of fine particles (PM2.5) — very small airborne particles that can be inhaled and reach the respiratory tract. “Larger particles are filtered, but we believe that different types of pollution affect different parts of the respiratory tract”, they explain in the press release.
During their work, the researchers also included information on rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, because these factors also increase the risk of certain cancers. “Although the effects of air pollutants on lung diseases have been the subject of much research, few studies have focused on exposure to air pollution as a risk factor for the upper aerodigestive tract, particularly for the development head and neck cancer”said one of the study authors, Stella Lee, of the Head and Neck Surgery Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, in a press release.
Air pollution, an unsuspected risk factor for head and neck cancers
“These results show the importance of pollution in the development of upper respiratory tract cancers,” underlined Stella Lee. The study found an increased risk of head and neck cancers in regions with high levels of fine PM2.5 particles, especially about five years after exposure. According to researchers, it is possible that fine pollution particles irritate and damage cells in the throat and nose, increasing the risk of cancer in the long term.
This study reminds us that pollution does not only threaten our lungsbut also other parts of our body. Researchers hope that these results will push authorities to tighten air quality standards, to better protect everyone’s health. “Environmental health and personal health are inextricably linked”said Amanda Dilger, co-author of this work. “Our study highlights the need to improve air quality standards to reduce the risk of developing cancer, including head and neck cancer,” she says in the press release.
Sources :
- New study links air pollution with higher rates of head and neck cancer – Wayne State University – Communiqué – 12 novembre 2024
- Air pollution exposure and head and neck cancer incidence – Nature – 12 novembre 2024
- What is air pollution? – Public Health France – June 27, 2019
- Latest WHO guide values for outdoor air quality: situation in France – Ministries of Territorial Partnership, Ecological Transition and Housing – October 14, 2024
- Air pollution causing 8.1 million deaths in 2024 – World Health Organization – June 19, 2024
