A new international study published in Nature has unveiled a direct link between air pollution and lung cancer by showing that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in polluted air can cause specific DNA mutations that trigger cancer. The research, led by scientists at the Francis Crick Institute and University College London, examined over 33,000 cancer samples from patients across multiple continents. The team identified a clear mutational signature—called SBS16—associated with air pollution, highlighting a previously underestimated genetic impact of airborne pollutants.
This research represents a significant shift in understanding how cancer can develop. While air pollution and lung cancer have long been linked to higher cancer rates, this study is among the first to show how PM2.5 particles can directly cause mutations, rather than just inflaming tissues or promoting existing cancer cells. “This mutational signature was found in cancer types not typically linked to smoking, especially in lung adenocarcinomas, indicating an alternative carcinogenic pathway,” noted Dr. Serena Nik-Zainal, a senior co-author.
Study Suggests Air Pollution May Be as Dangerous as Smoking in Some Cases
According to The Guardian, the scientists discovered that people living in polluted urban areas were more likely to develop lung cancers with this distinct mutation profile, even if they had never smoked. This upends traditional notions that most lung cancer cases in non-smokers were genetic or random. In particular, PM2.5 particles—smaller than 2.5 microns—were found to penetrate deep into the lungs and lodge in tissues, where they could cause these SBS16 mutations over time. This finding strengthens the direct connection between air pollution and lung cancer risk in non-smokers.
“These findings raise urgent public health concerns,” said Professor Charles Swanton, one of the lead researchers. “We now have biological evidence linking specific pollutants to mutations that drive cancer. This challenges the misconception that if you don’t smoke, you’re safe from lung cancer.”
In addition to lung cancer, similar mutational patterns were detected in other cancers, including those of the bladder and mouth, suggesting that airborne pollutants may have systemic impacts beyond the lungs.
Public Health and Environmental Implications
Environmental advocates and public health experts say this study may have major implications for air quality regulations and urban planning. Inside Climate News emphasized that this adds to a growing body of evidence calling for more aggressive global action to reduce PM2.5 emissions, especially in rapidly urbanizing countries.
Meanwhile, The Hill reported that researchers are also exploring potential protective measures, including the use of herbal remedies and antioxidant supplements. However, scientists caution that such interventions should not replace systemic environmental reforms. “No supplement can counteract decades of exposure to toxic air,” said Dr. Nik-Zainal, underscoring the need for preventive strategies over reactive ones.
In light of these findings, experts urge governments to update air quality thresholds and invest in clean energy solutions. With air pollution and lung cancer now proven to mutate human DNA, the call for climate justice and environmental health protections has never been louder.
