Lung cancer, often detected at late stages, continues to be a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Smoking is a well-known contributor to most forms of lung cancer, however, the causes of lung adenocarcinoma remains elusive, despite it being the more prevalent form of lung cancer.
In a collaborative effort between NTU and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, researchers have uncovered a significant correlation between increasing air pollution and the rising incidence of lung adenocarcinoma.
Analysing lung cancer trends from 1990 to 2012 using data from the World Health Organization, researchers delved into air pollution trends. They examined levels of fine particulates, including black carbon and sulphate, utilising air quality data provided by NASA.
Their calculations revealed a striking association: a mere increase of 0.1 micrograms per cubic metre of black carbon, also known as soot, in the Earth’s atmosphere corresponded to a 12% rise in lung adenocarcinoma incidence globally.
Check out the details of the study here: https://www3.ntu.edu.sg/CorpComms2/research%20papers/lungcancer.pdf