Repeated Smoke Exposure Can Increase Lung Cancer Risk

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Dr Linda Masniari, a Pulmonologist and Thoracic Oncology Subspecialist at MRCCC Siloam Semanggi, stated that exposure to smoke in high concentrations and over long periods can increase the risk of lung disorders and lung cancer.

“If one is exposed for a long time, it can lead to lung cancer, as one of the risk factors is forest and land fires,” said Linda, when met following the MR_CCC Siloam Semanggi Media Hospital Tour 2026 in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Linda noted that smoke exposure can originate from various sources, such as forest and land fires, waste burning, cigarette smoke, and motor vehicle emissions.

According to her, exposure to high concentrations of smoke can also cause acute lung disorders.

Linda cited the habit of burning waste in residential areas as something that should be avoided, as the resulting smoke can be a risk factor for lung cancer.

“People in housing complexes or residential areas often burn rubbish; that is also one of the triggers that can lead to lung cancer,” she said.

Regarding smoke exposure caused by forest and land fires, Linda stated that wearing a mask can help reduce exposure, although it cannot provide 100 per cent protection.

“It cannot defend against it 100 per cent, but at the very least, there is some reduction. If you want more protection, you should use the type we used during COVID, the N95 mask,” Linda remarked.

She explained that very small smoke particles can enter the respiratory tract and reach the deeper parts of the lungs.

“Because smoke particles are smaller than 0.5 microns, they can enter the lungs and settle in the alveoli,” she said.

Linda added that such exposure can contribute to lung disorders such as bronchitis and COPD, especially if it occurs repeatedly or over the long term.