Outdoor air pollution has been classified as carcinogenic to humans and positively correlated with increased risk of lung cancer and bladder cancer, according to a recent report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialised cancer agency of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
It has already been proven that air pollution is linked to an increased risk of various other chronic conditions including respiratory and heart diseases.
Professor Lee Hin Peng, head of the Chronic Diseases Programme at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, explains that these carcinogenic effects “are due to the multiple chemicals and particulate matter among the pollutants, leading to short-terms and long-term effects”.
As to whether this revelation would triggers governments to take action in reducing outdoor air pollution, he said that “it is a matter of international concern, not only because of the health hazards, but also the harm to the environment.”
Media coverage:
- Medical Tribune, November 2013