How air pollution triggers cancer growth in the lungs

The pollutants in the air we breathe damages our lungs, and the process of healing that damage can in turn trigger pre-existing mutations within our cells to become cancerous. — AFP

Scientists said they have identified the mechanism through which air pollution triggers lung cancer in non-smokers, a discovery one expert hailed as “an important step for science – and for society”.

The research illustrated the health risk posed by the tiny particles produced by burning fossil fuels, sparking fresh calls for more urgent action to combat climate change.