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A recent report from The Guardian has shed light on a disturbing trend: lung cancer cases are rising among people who have never smoked, with air pollution playing a major role in this increase. Once considered primarily a disease affecting smokers, lung cancer is now increasingly being diagnosed in individuals who have never picked up a cigarette. This shift raises serious concerns about the air we breathe daily—both outdoors and indoors.
The Link Between Air Pollution and Lung Cancer
According to research highlighted in the article, exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other airborne pollutants significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. Vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, and even wildfire smoke contribute to poor air quality, leading to long-term health consequences. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified outdoor air pollution as a carcinogen, with estimates suggesting it causes over 250,000 lung cancer deaths worldwide each year.
While outdoor air pollution is a major factor, we spend up to 90% of our time indoors, making indoor air quality just as critical—if not more so—in reducing our exposure to harmful pollutants.
The Role of Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air due to factors like inadequate ventilation, dust accumulation, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household products, and airborne pathogens. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to a range of health issues, including respiratory diseases, allergies, and now, potentially, an increased risk of lung cancer.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
- Ventilation – Proper airflow helps remove stale air and reduce the build-up of harmful particles. Mechanical ventilation systems, such as HVAC units with high-efficiency filters, can play a key role in improving air quality.
- Air Purification – Technologies like bipolar ionization, HEPA filters, and activated carbon filters can significantly reduce airborne pollutants, including PM2.5 and VOCs.
- Reducing Pollutant Sources – Limiting the use of chemical-based cleaning products, avoiding indoor smoking, and controlling humidity levels can help create a healthier indoor environment.
- Smart Air Quality Monitoring – Devices such as GPS Air’s SmartIAQ system allow users to monitor and manage indoor air quality through app-based technology, providing real-time data and control over air purification systems.
Taking Action for Better Health
As the statistics on lung cancer in non-smokers continue to rise, it’s clear that air quality is a major public health concern. While individuals may have little control over outdoor pollution, improving indoor air quality is a proactive step toward reducing long-term health risks. Investing in advanced air filtration, ensuring proper ventilation, and staying informed about air quality trends can help create safer, healthier indoor environments.
At Gibbons Engineering Group, we specialise in innovative solutions to enhance indoor air quality. To learn more about how SmartIAQ technology can improve the air you breathe, get in touch with our team today.
For more information on The Alarming Rise of Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers: Why Indoor Air Quality Matters talk to Gibbons Engineering Group Ltd