Warning: Exposure to Air Pollution and Vehicle Emissions Increases Lung Cancer Risk
Dr Linda Masniari, a Pulmonology Specialist and Thoracic Oncology Subspecialist at MRCCC Siloam Semanggi, is urging the public to actively reduce exposure to air pollution. Poor air quality has been proven to contribute to an increased risk of chronic respiratory disorders and lung cancer.
“Almost 85 per cent of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking, while 15 per cent can be caused by non-smokers. Therefore, if we are passive smokers, the likelihood of developing lung cancer increases by 20 to 30 per cent,” said Linda, as reported on Tuesday (2/9).
While smoking remains the primary trigger, Linda explained that non-smokers also face risks due to environmental factors. Exposure to motor vehicle exhaust emissions, smoke from burning wood for cooking, and living in close proximity to landfills also serve as triggers for lung cancer.
Beyond residential environments, high risks also threaten workers in certain industrial sectors. “Work environments such as mining, shipyards, and cement factories are groups that need to pay attention to the risk of exposure to hazardous materials,” she noted.
Genetic factors or a family history of lung cancer also increase an individual’s potential to develop the disease. In Indonesia, lung cancer cases are most frequently found in the age group above 50 years. Therefore, early detection and preventative actions are crucial.
As a preventive measure amidst declining air quality, Linda suggests that citizens limit outdoor activities and cease smoking within family environments to protect passive smokers. “Healthy air is extremely important. If the air in our environment is not good, we had better reduce outdoor activities and undergo medical examinations according to our risk level,” said Linda.
Exposure to smoke in high concentrations over long periods can increase the risk of lung health disorders, including lung cancer. Dr Linda Masniary explained why early-stage lung cancer is difficult to detect and often resembles the symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).
According to Professor Budi Haryanto, a Professor at the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia (FKM UI), 60 per cent of diseases are related to air pollution, which is significantly higher than diseases caused by poor sanitation. He warned of the dangers of air pollution exposure in children, which risks damaging brain development and reducing lung function.