Air pollution increases the risk of developing oral cancer

Increased risk of oral cancer from increasing air pollution?

The ever increasing air pollution leads worldwide to an increased occurrence of various diseases. Researchers have now found that a high level of air pollution is also associated with an increased risk of oral cancer.

Scientists from Asia University and Chung Shan Medical University found in their recent research that heavy air pollution increases the likelihood of developing oral cancer. The physicians published the results of their study in the English-language journal "Journal of Investigative Medicine".

Air pollution and the associated particulate matter pollution increase the risk of developing oral cancer. (Image: Seroma72 / fotolia.com)

Other known negative effects of air pollution

The increased air pollution worldwide is associated with a variety of health problems. Several studies have previously found that these negative effects include, for example, an increased risk of dementia, asthma and even changes in the heart structure.

Data from more than 480,000 men were evaluated

Very high levels of air pollution increase the risk of developing oral cancer, explain the doctors from Taiwan. The current study analyzed 2009 air pollution data from 66 different air quality monitoring stations across the country. These data were combined with the health records of more than 480,000 men over 40 years. A total of 1.1617 cases of oral cancer were detected in the participants.

Exposure to particulate matter has been studied closely

The research team focused particularly on the study of tiny particulate matter called PM2.5. The participants' exposure to these particulates was recorded along with the residences of those affected. Subsequently, the men were divided into four groups, depending on the exposure level. The experts also considered other factors such as age, ozone levels, other particles, smoking status, and whether the men chewed betel quid. This blend of various ingredients such as areca nut and betel leaf is a widely used practice in many parts of Asia and increases the risk of oral cancer.

Oral cancer risk was partially increased by up to 43 percent

The researchers found that men who were exposed to the strongest PM2.5 levels had an increased risk of oral cancer. Compared to men exposed to an average of 26.54 micrograms (μg) per cubic meter (m3) of air per year, those exposed to concentrations of 40.37 μg / m3 or more were 43 percent more likely to develop of oral cancer.

Which value of PM2.5 should not be exceeded annually?

The mechanism responsible for the increased risk of cancer remains unclear and further investigations are now required. The World Health Organization (WHO) states on this issue that the average annual PM2.5 levels should not exceed 10 μg / m3. However, in many major cities around the world, there is an extremely high level of air pollution. According to the WHO, the average annual burden of PM2.5 is, for example, 86 μg / m3 in Kabul, 85 μg / m3 in Beijing and 122 μg / m3 in Delhi.

What limitations did the study have??

However, the study has limitations, including the fact that previous exposure of men to air pollution was not taken into account. Air pollution has previously been linked to various types of cancer, including breast, liver, lung and pancreatic cancer. Therefore, the impact on the risk of oral cancer is not really surprising, the researchers say. However, with people in Europe not chewing betel quid, the extremely high risk of oral cancer could be unique to Taiwan. (As)