Air pollution might be more dangerous than we thought. A new study led by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found a strong link between exposure to fine particulate air pollution and genetic mutations in lung cancer tumors among people who have never smoked.
The research, published in the journal Nature, represents the largest whole-genome analysis of lung cancer in nonsmokers to date. Scientists from the NIH’s National Cancer Institute and the University of California San Diego examined lung tumors from 871 nonsmoking patients across 28 regions worldwide as part of the Sherlock-Lung study.
The findings reveal that air pollution—especially from traffic and industrial sources—is associated with cancer-driving mutations, including alterations in the TP53 gene. These mutations are typically seen in cancers related to tobacco use.
Moreover, the study showed that air pollution exposure is linked to shorter telomeres—the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. Shorter telomeres are associated with aging and a reduced ability for cells to replicate, which may accelerate the progression of cancer.
“Understanding how environmental pollutants contribute to cancer development is crucial,” the researchers noted. “It highlights the urgent need for stronger environmental protections to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.”
Lung cancer in nonsmokers accounts for up to 25 percent of all lung cancer cases globally, according to the study. This research sheds light on the risks faced by nonsmokers and underscores the importance of clean air for public health.
