Relationship between Air Pollution and Lung Cancer in Fujian Province: A Case-control study

Background:Outdoor air pollutants, especially particulate matters, are defined as a type of carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Studies have shown that air pollutionis associated with lung cancer morbidity or mortality. This study is aimed at exploring the relationship between air pollutants and primary lung cancer in Fujian Province, China. Methods:We conducted a hospital-based, retrospective, case–control epidemiological study on three different populations to assess the occurrence of lung cancer caused by exposure to various levels of air pollution. Statistical analysiswas performed using the SPSS 25.0. Unconditional logistic regression modeling and identification of possible confounding factors were performed by calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for air pollution indexes and lung cancer risk. Results: The total study population comprised 885 lung cancer patients and 1,220 healthy controls. The following parameters were identified as risk factors for lung cancer among the total population: smoking; exposure to cooking oil fumes; passive smoking; medical history of lung disease; family history of lung cancer; and exposure to PM10, PM2.5, and O3. Fruit intake and physical exercise were protective against lung cancer. For smokers, medical history of lung disease, family history of lung cancer, and exposure to PM10, and PM2.5 were risk factors for lung cancer, while fruit intake and physical exercise were protective factors. Among non-smokers, exposure to cooking oil fumes; medical history of lung disease; family history of lung cancer; and exposure to PM10, PM2.5, and O3 were factors increasing the risk of lung cancer, while fruit intake, physical exercise, and tea drinking were protective factors. Conclusions: Long-term exposure to PM10, PM2.5, and O3 was found to be significantly associated with increased risk of lung cancer, with the risk being greater for non-smokers and persons exposed to cooking oil fumes.