A groundbreaking study has unveiled a surprising link between fine particulate air pollution and lung cancer mutations in individuals who have never smoked. Researchers from the NIH and the University of California San Diego analyzed lung tumors from 871 nonsmoking patients across 28 regions worldwide in the Sherlock-Lung study.
Published in the journal Nature, the study found that exposure to traffic and industrial air pollution is tied to significant genetic changes – including alterations in the TP53 gene and other mutational signatures typically seen in tobacco-related cancers. This means that even without smoking, the air can trigger harmful mutations in our DNA.
Another striking discovery was the association between air pollution and shorter telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes. With shorter telomeres linked to aging and reduced cell replication, these findings suggest that polluted air might not only spark cancer but speed up its progression. 🌬️🔬
Overall, this research highlights an urgent call for stronger environmental protections. It underscores the fact that clean air isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a vital component of our health and future. Stay informed, stay safe!
Reference(s):
Study links air pollution to more lung cancer mutations in nonsmokers
cgtn.com
