Khaberni - A new study has shown that exposure to air pollution may increase the risk of prostate cancer in men, especially those who live in densely populated areas or near major city roads.
Experts have called for urgent action to reduce air pollution, after evidence suggested that emissions from traffic and industries could contribute to the occurrence of this disease.
The study was based on data from 224,000 men in Britain, with an average age of 58, who were monitored for 13.7 years. The results showed that those exposed to higher levels of pollution were more likely to develop prostate cancer by 6.9% compared to those who were not exposed, with the risk increasing as the level of exposure rose.
Researchers believe that nitrates (NO₃), emitted from car exhausts, are the main factor behind this effect. Although the precise mechanism is still unclear, nitrogen, a major component in NO₃, is known for its ability to feed cancer cell growth.
Most previous studies focused on fine particles PM2.5, which can be deeply inhaled into the lungs, released from sources like car exhausts, industrial and agricultural emissions, and home fuel combustion. However, the new study examined the impact of five major components of these particles, including NO₃, and found it to be the most influential on the risk of developing the disease.
The researchers from Beijing University in China wrote in the journal "Urology Surgery": "Our results indicate that place of residence is important alongside genetic factors and lifestyle, and highlight the urgent need to target nitrate emission sources, especially traffic and agriculture, to reduce the spread of the disease."
