Hey there! Did you know that breathing dirty air can be harmful even if you’ve never touched a cigarette? 🚭🧐
A new study by scientists from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that air pollution can cause changes in our lungs that may lead to lung cancer, even in people who have never smoked!
So, what’s happening? 🤔 Let’s break it down:
Air Pollution and Our Lungs 🌬️🫁
Air pollution is made up of tiny particles in the air, often from car exhausts 🚗, factories 🏭, and other sources. These tiny bits, called fine particulate matter, are so small that we can’t see them. But when we breathe them in, they can get deep into our lungs.
What Are Mutations? 🧬
A mutation is a change in our DNA, which is like the instruction manual for our bodies. Think of it like a typo in a book. Sometimes, these changes can cause cells to grow uncontrollably, which can lead to cancer.
The Study Findings 📊
The researchers looked at lung tumors from 871 people around the world who never smoked. They found that people exposed to more air pollution had more mutations in their lung cells. One important gene affected is called TP53, which helps protect our cells from turning cancerous.
Shorter Telomeres? What’s That? ⏳
They also found that air pollution was linked to shorter telomeres. Telomeres are like the plastic tips at the end of shoelaces 👟; they protect our chromosomes, which carry our DNA. Shorter telomeres mean cells age faster and can’t repair themselves as well.
Why Does This Matter? 🌎
Lung cancer isn’t just a problem for smokers. Up to 25% of lung cancer cases happen in people who never smoked! This study shows how important it is to have clean air for everyone’s health.
What Can We Do? 💡
You might be thinking, “I’m just a kid, what can I do?” Well, you can help by:
- Walking or biking instead of riding in cars when possible 🚶🚴
- Supporting recycling and reducing waste ♻️
- Talking to your family and friends about the importance of clean air 🌿
Every little action helps make our air cleaner and our planet healthier!
Spread the Word 📣
Now that you know how air pollution can affect health, share this information with others. Together, we can make a difference! 🌟
Reference(s):
Study links air pollution to more lung cancer mutations in nonsmokers
cgtn.com
