Air pollution linked to breast cancer, says study.

Air‍ Pollution Linked to⁢ Higher⁤ Rates of Breast Cancer

A groundbreaking study conducted by a cross-collaborative team of scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reveals a concerning connection between air ​pollution and breast cancer.

Researchers at‌ the⁢ National Institute​ of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and National Cancer Institute (NCI) discovered that individuals residing in ⁢areas with high⁣ levels of air pollution, specifically measured as particulate matter (PM2.5), have an overall 8 percent higher incidence of breast cancer compared to ‍those ‌living in areas with lower levels.

Furthermore, the ​study found a correlation between ​PM2.5 concentration and tumor type. The research, primarily focused ⁢on postmenopausal women, ‍demonstrated that women living in regions with high PM2.5 levels⁢ had a 10 percent greater incidence of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) tumors, the most common type of breast⁢ cancer. However, no link was found between highly concentrated PM2.5 regions and estrogen receptor-negative (ER-)​ tumors, as reported in the Journal of the ⁣National‌ Cancer Institute.

These findings⁢ provide ⁤further ⁤evidence of a connection between breast cancer and endocrine disruption. Compounds ⁤like metals and phthalates, known ‍endocrine disrupters, attach‌ to PM2.5 particles, reinforcing‌ the ⁢link.

Interestingly, breast cancer rates varied⁣ depending on the region. The study assessed eight locations, including ⁣six states (California, Florida, ⁢Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North ​Carolina, and Louisiana) and two metropolitan areas⁢ (Atlanta and ⁣Detroit). Women living in catchment areas with high levels of PM2.5, such as Atlanta and North Carolina,‍ experienced more pronounced breast cancer rates. Additionally, the study observed the greatest increases in ⁢breast cancer incidence among women who had higher PM2.5 levels near their homes prior to ‍enrolling in the study.

“Although this ⁤increase is relatively modest, ‍these findings are significant given that ⁤air pollution is a ubiquitous exposure that impacts almost everyone,”‌ said Alexander White, lead study author and ​head of the Environment and Cancer Epidemiology‍ Group at NIEHS. “These findings add to⁣ a​ growing body of literature suggesting that air ​pollution ‌is ‍related to breast⁢ cancer.”

Hundreds of​ Different Chemicals

According ⁢to the U.S. Environmental⁢ Protection Agency (EPA), particulate matter, also known as particulate‍ pollution, refers to a mixture of tiny solid particles and liquid droplets containing hundreds of ⁤different chemicals found​ in the air. These particles can be in the‌ form⁤ of dust, dirt, soot, or smoke.

Exposure to PM2.5 typically occurs near construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, or fires. Particulate matter can ​also be emitted as a result ​of complex reactions between chemicals from power plants, ⁣industries,⁣ and motor ​vehicle exhaust and combustion.

PM2.5 particles pose the greatest health risk as they are small‍ enough to‌ be‍ deeply inhaled and can potentially ⁤enter a ‌person’s⁤ bloodstream.

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