A new study has revealed that air pollution is increasing the risk of men developing life-threatening diseases such as cancer, particularly prostate cancer, highlighting a growing public health concern.
According to the research, men living near busy roads in densely populated urban areas face a significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer, further underscoring the link between environmental pollution and human health.
Experts believe that emissions from vehicles and industrial activities play a major role in the development of this disease, which claims the lives of approximately 12,000 men every year in the United Kingdom.
During the study, health data of more than 220,000 men across the UK were thoroughly analyzed to assess the relationship between air pollution exposure and prostate cancer risk.
The findings showed that men exposed to higher levels of air pollution were about 7 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer compared to those living in cleaner environments.
The study also highlighted that nitrate, largely produced by vehicle emissions, plays a significant role in increasing the risk of prostate cancer. Although it is not yet fully understood how nitrate contributes to cancer development, it is already known that nitrogen can promote the growth of cancer cells.
Researchers estimated pollution exposure levels using the residential postal codes of study participants, allowing them to assess environmental conditions across different locations.
The results indicated a modest but clear association between air pollution and prostate cancer, with nitrate exposure identified as the most influential factor linked to increased risk.
Researchers concluded that reducing nitrate emissions is essential to lowering the risk of prostate cancer among men and stressed the need for effective measures to control air pollution.
It is worth noting that most previous studies focused on extremely fine toxic particles known as PM2.5. These microscopic particles, thinner than human hair, can penetrate deep into the lungs.
Such fine particles are generated by vehicle emissions, industrial and agricultural activities, as well as the burning of household fuels, and are known to have serious adverse effects on human health.
