Lung Cancer cases are increasing around the world
New risk factors are contributing to a raise in Lung Cancer statistics
Passive or Active smoking has been a classic risk factor for Lung Cancer, the deadliest among this kind of disease, but new factors are arising.
1. Radon
Many people are unaware of this, but a radioactive gas present inside many homes can be a silent enemy, if it accumulates inside closed environments for years, even in very small amounts.
The gas is generated by radioactive substances present on stones and bricks used for building. The concentration of those substances vary through the globe, and it's unusual for the supplier of materials to verify their presence in the products they sell.
There are some public programs in USA for screening home environment, using devices that monitor the air searching for the gas, and then advising the owner about what must be done.
More information:
https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-radon-test-kit-or-measurement-and-mitigation-professional
2. Indoor Pollution from Microplastics and Microfibers
Long term exposition t plastic particles by the use of carpets, synthetic clothes and other sources has been associated also to some kinds of lung diseases, including Cancer. Specific procedures can be taken for improving indoor air quality, such as ventilation, control over pollution sources and monitoring.
More information:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8004912/
3. Outdoor Pollution
Areas with strong concentration or pollution gases and particles have also been associated to higher rates of lung cancer. It's a difficult factor to deal with, when you have to live in such places because your life is there. Anyway, the air quality issue must be a local state priority, monitored by the citizens, demanding policies towards a healthier public environment.
