Air pollution and lung cancer: What can you do to protect yourself?

As urbanization accelerates, air pollution has become a major factor affecting public health. This paper will focus on the relationship between air pollution and lung cancer and will propose effective protection measures that individuals can take in their daily lives, such as wearing masks and choosing air purification equipment.Air pollution is considered an important external environmental factor for lung cancer. Long-term exposure to air containing hazardous substances, especially PM2.5, second-hand smoke, may increase the risk of lung cancer. In order to reduce the health risks posed by air pollution, we can reduce the direct impact of external harmful substances on the respiratory system through measures such as the wearing of high-efficiency masks and long-term residence in high-pollution areas.First, understanding the sources and components of air pollution is essential. Air pollution originates mainly from industrial emissions, car tail gas, construction, agricultural activities and household heating. Hazardous substances released by these sources include, but are not limited to, particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, ozone and volatile organic compounds. Among these, PM2.5 poses a serious threat to health because of its small particle size, which can penetrate the lungs and even enter the blood cycle.Lung cancer is one of the most malignant tumours in the world with the highest morbidity and mortality rates. Harmful substances in air pollution, especially those in PM2.5 and second-hand smoke, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals, are important factors in lung cancer. These substances can cause gene mutations in lung cells, increasing the risk of lung cancer.To protect ourselves from air pollution, we can take the following measures:1. Mask: On days of poor air quality, the wearing of a N95 or higher mask can effectively block particles in the air. Selecting the right mask and wearing it correctly is key to ensure that it is closely tied to the face and that there are no visible gaps.Use of air cleaners: The indoor use of air cleaners can significantly reduce harmful particles in air. The choice of efficient filtration systems, especially air cleaners capable of filtrating PM2.5, can provide cleaner air for households.3. Indoor ventilation: Maintaining indoor air flow during relatively good air quality can reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants. The use of air cleaners is accompanied by regular window ventilation to allow fresh air to enter the room.4. Reduction of outdoor activity: Minimizing outdoor activity, particularly intense activity, at a high time of the Air Quality Index (AQI), as more air and pollutants are inhaled as a result of increased respiratory activity.5. Improving the indoor environment: Indoor smoking is an important cause of indoor air pollution and should therefore be strictly prohibited. At the same time, the use of smoke-free coal or clean energy for heating reduces pollutants from indoor combustion.6. Periodic air quality inspection: follow air quality forecasts issued by local environmental protection authorities, know air quality index (AQI) and take appropriate protective measures based on AQI.7. Increased self-immunization: Immunization of the body through healthy diet, adequate exercise and adequate sleep helps to protect against the potential effects of air pollution on the body.8. Support for and participation in environmental protection activities: Active participation in actions to reduce air pollution, such as the use of public transport, the reduction of private car travel and support for clean energy projects, to improve air quality.In summary, the relationship between air pollution and lung cancer has been widely recognized by the scientific community. While we cannot fully control the external environment, by taking the above measures we can significantly reduce the impact of air pollution on individual health. Protect yourself from understanding and responding to air pollution.