Air pollution and environmental issues
Air pollution is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in nonsmokers. PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations frequently exceed permissible values in cities or places with high industrial activity, increasing the risk of chronic inflammation and malignant mutations in lung cells. The information presented in the worldwide analysis shows that East Asia and North Africa have the greatest incidence rates for various subtypes.
Radon, a radioactive gas that originates underground, has also been recognized as a risk factor. Even if residents have never smoked, the accumulation of radon in restricted quarters without sufficient ventilation can put them at risk of developing cancer. As a result, regular measurement checks and adequate ventilation are recommended, particularly in areas with high natural quantities of this gas.
