Inhalation of particles produced by fuel may cause brain tumors

, published today in the journal Epidemiology, suggests for the first time that ultra-fine particles produced by burning fuel are associated with malignant brain tumors.
previous studies have shown that these combustion-related nanoparticles can reach the brain when inhaled into the body.
led by Scott Weichenthal, an epidemiologist at McGill University in Canada, analyzed medical records and air pollution exposure 1.9 million adults in Toronto and Montreal. They found that an increase in air pollution of 10,000 nanoparticles per cubic centimeter could lead to one more brain cancer case per 100,000 people. It is understood that this growth is equivalent to coming from a quiet city street to a busy city street.
researchers measured malignant tumors in the brain, including glioblastoma, the most common form of brain cancer, affecting about three out of every 100,000 people. "Environmental risks like air pollution are not very high, but because everyone is exposed to air pollution, it makes it important. When you multiply these small risks by a lot of people, all of a sudden there are a lot of cases. Weichenthal said.
"This is an important finding because car fuel emits ultra-fine particles directly, and several animal experiments have shown that these particles are more toxic than large particles." Jordi Sunyer, an expert in neurodevelopment at the Institute of Global Health in Barcelona, Spain, who was not involved in the study, said.
findings of the study are particularly important in a series of global air pollution crises. Air pollution in the Afghan capital Kabul may kill more people than the war, according to reports. In the Indian capital, New Delhi, persistent severe air pollution is eight times higher than the recommended maximum and is associated with respiratory problems and other adverse health effects. (Source: Feng Weiwei, China Science Journal)
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