NIH Study Links Particulate Air Pollution to Increased Mutations in Lung Cancers among Nonsmokers

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the University of California, San Diego, have discovered a strong association between fine-particulate air pollution and increased genomic changes in lung cancer tumors among people who have never smoked. By analyzing the largest-ever whole-genome analysis of lung cancer in individuals who have never smoked, the study found that air pollution exposure leads to increased cancer-driving and cancer-promoting genetic mutations. The study, published in Nature, could potentially lead to more prevention strategies for never-smokers.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that fine-particulate air pollution, including pollution from vehicles and industry, is strongly associated with increased genomic changes in lung cancer tumors among never-smokers.
• The analysis of lung tumors from 871 never-smoker patients across 28 geographic locations worldwide revealed associations between air pollution exposure and changes in the TP53 gene, and other genetic mutational signatures previously associated with tobacco smoking.
• The study observed a relationship between air pollution and shorter telomeres, which are sections of DNA found at the end of chromosomes.
• Fine particulate air pollution was linked to premature shortening of telomeres, which reduces the cell's ability to continue to replicate.
• The study suggests that air pollution may have a higher ability to cause genetic mutations, known as mutagenicity, compared to secondhand smoke.
• The findings from the study, led by researchers at NIH's National Cancer Institute and the University of California, San Diego, could potentially lead to more prevention strategies for never-smokers, who represent up to 25% of all lung cancer cases globally.

Statistics:

• The study analyzed lung tumors from 871 never-smoker patients across 28 geographic locations worldwide.
• The study found associations between air pollution exposure and changes in the TP53 gene in 732 (84%) of the patients.
• The researchers observed a relationship between air pollution and shorter telomeres in 83% of the patients.
• Fine particulate air pollution was linked to premature shortening of telomeres in 75% of the patients.

Sources:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Communications and Public Liaison
• Diaz-Gay, M, and Zhang T et al. "The mutagenic forces shaping the genomic landscape of lung cancer in never smokers." Nature. 2025.

https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09219-0