Air Pollution Linked to Rising Lung Cancer Cases in Non-Smoking Individuals

Lung cancer, typically associated with smoking, has seen an increasing number of diagnoses in individuals who have never smoked. A recent study published in the *Lancet Respiratory Medicine* journal sheds light on why this is happening.

The research reveals that lung cancer, specifically the type adenocarcinoma, ranks as the fifth leading cause of death from cancer worldwide among individuals who have never smoked. The study attributes this rise to the growing levels of air pollution.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in 2022 alone, over 200,000 non-smokers were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer, due to air pollution. The study highlights that air pollution is contributing significantly to the spread of this cancer type, particularly in regions like East Asia.

Researchers noted that the rise in lung cancer cases among non-smokers is a pressing issue that requires close monitoring. They emphasized the need for further research to establish the connection between air pollution and the increase in lung cancer cases.

While smoking rates globally have decreased, lung cancer cases are on the rise, particularly among non-smokers. Experts suggest that if air pollution is responsible for the rise of adenocarcinoma, strategies to mitigate this risk need to be developed urgently.

In 2022, there were 2.5 million lung cancer diagnoses globally, with adenocarcinoma accounting for nearly 60% of all cases. Non-smokers make up 70% of lung cancer cases with this particular type.

In addition to air pollution, a 2025 study by the University of California linked tiny plastic particles in the air to various cancers, including lung and intestinal cancer. These particles, when inhaled, reach deep into lung tissues, causing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which are known to increase the risk of cancer.

Experts are calling for further studies and measures to address the emerging threat posed by environmental factors such as air pollution and microplastic exposure.