Global Study Reveals Air Pollution Can Harm Multiple Organs Beyond Lungs - Video

Air pollution is often associated with coughing, breathing difficulties and lung disease. However, a new global study, published in Nature Health, suggests its impact may extend much further, linking long-term exposure to air pollutants with millions of cancer cases worldwide.

Researchers analysed cancer and air pollution data from 952 locations between 2000 and 2020, covering 109 million cancer cases. The study examined three major pollutants: fine particulate matter PM2.5, ozone and nitrogen dioxide.

PM2.5 emerged as the biggest contributor. Researchers estimated that long-term exposure was associated with around 8.82 million cancer cases during the study period. Nitrogen dioxide was linked to approximately 6.67 million cases, while ozone was associated with about 2.59 million.

PM2.5 particles are 2.5 micrometres or smaller, allowing them to penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially enter the bloodstream. Every 10 micrograms per cubic metre increase in long-term PM2.5 exposure was associated with a 16% higher risk of all cancers. Comparable increases were 11.7% for nitrogen dioxide and 4.23% for ozone.

The strongest association was seen with cancers of the respiratory system. Researchers estimated that around 17.9% of tracheal, bronchial and lung cancer cases could potentially be prevented by eliminating PM2.5 exposure.

However, the potential effects appeared to extend beyond the lungs. PM2.5 exposure was also associated with cancers affecting the thyroid, oesophagus, colon and rectum, breast, kidney and bladder. A 10 micrograms per cubic metre increase was linked to 17.9% higher kidney cancer risk and 21.1% higher bladder cancer risk.

Researchers suggest that oxidative stress, DNA damage and disruption of immune responses could contribute to these associations.

The findings add to evidence that cleaner air is not only an environmental priority but also an important long-term cancer prevention and public health concern.

REFERENCE: Zhang, G., Li, Y., Li, A. et al. Global cancer burden associated with long-term exposure to ambient air pollution. Nat. Health (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44360-026-00180-4