, it may cause other cancers too—including neck cancer and mesothelioma—and diseases such as cardiovascular disease, strokes, heart attacks, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative disease. We urgently need public health measures to lower pollution levels.
In the lab, we've been studying how air pollution causes lung cancer. Recently, we’ve shown a close association between rising air pollution levels—specifically 2.5 micrometers particles from diesel exhaust and coal-fired power stations—and increasing incidence of lung cancer in patients who’ve never smoked. We were interested in understanding what the underlying mechanism is for this process.
How does air pollution cause so many different clinical diseases? We don’t yet know the answer to that. What we do know is that the macrophage takes up air pollutants. These particular particles are so large that they can't be digested by the cell. Instead, they remain in the cell until it dies. Because of this, throughout its life, the cell releases a sort of SOS signal—inflammatory mediators that communicate with other cells.
In London, authorities are increasing stringent mechanisms to control and curb air pollution—the yellow Ultra Low Emissions Zone, for example, is being extended. There’s also an increasing move toward electric cars. That in itself won't eliminate the problem, however, because the air pollution doesn't just come from diesel and petrol exhausts. It also comes from car tires and brake dust. For instance, the levels of PM 2.
It’s estimated that over 90 percent of the world’s population lives in areas where the concentrations of PM 2.5 air pollutants are higher than the WHO recommended level of 5 micrograms per meter cubed. We need to make sure that individuals are aware of the risks to them by being exposed to high levels of pollution in urban areas. We need to walk more and we need to cycle more. And we need to redouble our efforts to try to control air pollution, limit exhaust fumes, and find cleaner fuels.
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