How does air pollution cause cancer?

How does air pollution cause cancer?

Outdoor air pollution causes lung cancer The more you’re around air pollution, the higher your risk of lung cancer will be. Researchers have also found that radon gas in indoor air can lead to lung cancer. Research has also found a link between outdoor air pollution and a higher risk of bladder cancer.

How does radioactive pollution cause cancer?

Some types of radiation can cause us harm, including raising the risk of cancer, if we are exposed to too much of it. Ionising radiation has enough energy to damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer.

How can environmental factors cause cancer?

But others are the result of environmental exposures that damage DNA. These exposures may include substances, such as the chemicals in tobacco smoke, or radiation, such as ultraviolet rays from the sun. People can avoid some cancer-causing exposures, such as tobacco smoke and the sun’s rays.

Can toxic pollution cause cancer?

However, exposures to certain chemicals in the environment, at home, and at work may contribute to an individual’s risk of developing cancer. Benzene, asbestos, vinyl chloride, radon, and arsenic are examples of toxic substances that can increase the risk of cancer to those who are exposed.

Is nuclear a pollution?

Unlike fossil fuel-fired power plants, nuclear reactors do not produce air pollution or carbon dioxide while operating. However, the processes for mining and refining uranium ore and making reactor fuel all require large amounts of energy.

Which pollutant causes cancer in humans?

Tiny dust-like particles just millionths of a metre wide, called ‘particulate matter’, make up a part of outdoor air pollution. The smallest particles known as PM10 and PM2. 5 are linked to lung cancers caused by pollution. It is not fully understood how these particles can damage DNA in cells and cause cancer.

Where does nuclear waste go?

Right now, all of the nuclear waste that a power plant generates in its entire lifetime is stored on-site in dry casks. A permanent disposal site for used nuclear fuel has been planned for Yucca Mountain, Nevada, since 1987, but political issues keep it from becoming a reality.

Why is nuclear power bad?

Nuclear power plants are a potential target for terrorist operations. An attack could cause major explosions, putting population centers at risk, as well as ejecting dangerous radioactive material into the atmosphere and surrounding region.