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. 2015 Apr 24;6(3):307–318. doi: 10.1111/1759-7714.12185

Traffic-related air pollution and lung cancer: A meta-analysis

Gongbo Chen 1, Xia Wan 2, Gonghuan Yang 2,✉, Xiaonong Zou 1,✉
PMCID: PMC4448375  PMID: 26273377

Abstract

Background

We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between traffic-related air pollution and lung cancer in order to provide evidence for control of traffic-related air pollution.

Methods

Several databases were searched for relevant studies up to December 2013. The quality of articles obtained was evaluated by the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist. Statistical analysis, including pooling effective sizes and confidential intervals, was performed.

Results

A total of 1106 records were obtained through the database and 36 studies were included in our analysis. Among the studies included, 14 evaluated the association between ambient exposure to traffic-related air pollution and lung cancer and 22 studies involved occupational exposure to air pollution among professional drivers. Twenty-two studies were marked A level regarding quality, 13 were B level, and one was C level. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide (meta-odds ratio [OR]: 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.99–1.13), nitrogen oxide (meta-OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07), sulfur dioxide (meta-OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02–1.05), and fine particulate matter (meta-OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.00–1.22) were positively associated with a risk of lung cancer. Occupational exposure to air pollution among professional drivers significantly increased the incidence (meta-OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.19–1.36) and mortality of lung cancer (meta-OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04–1.26).

Conclusion

Exposure to traffic-related air pollution significantly increased the risk of lung cancer.

Keywords: Lung cancer, meta-analysis, traffic-related air pollution

Introduction

It is estimated that there were 1.825 million lung cancer cases globally in 2012, accounting for 13.0% of all cancer cases, and 1.59 million deaths from lung cancer, responsible for 19.4% of deaths from all cancers.1 Air pollution is currently the principal issue in the field of environmental health, among which outdoor air pollution causes 1.3 million deaths in urban areas worldwide and indoor air pollution is responsible for two million premature deaths in developing countries.2 Vehicle emissions are a major source of outdoor air pollution, producing gaseous and particulate pollutants including carbon monoxide, ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide aldehydes, benzene, 1,3 – butadiene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and metals.3 Pollution from vehicles causes a broad range of acute and chronic diseases, including lung cancer. It was estimated that 11 395 deaths and 232 646 disability adjusted life years (DALYs) were attributed to motorized road transport globally in 2010.4 In Western countries, the histological distribution of lung cancer has changed during the past decades, showing an increase in adenocarcinomas and a decrease in squamous-cell carcinomas; this transition is associated with tobacco blends5 and ambient air pollution.6,7 People inhale 10 000 liters of air per day and even though the concentration of harmful substances in the air seems trivial, the amount breathed in per day cannot be ignored. Too few data are available to draw meaningful inferences of non-occupational exposure to traffic-related air pollution and lung cancer. Most studies respecting traffic-related air pollution in occupational settings also have failed to adequately account for confounding in their analyses, despite the availability in many cases of a large amount of data on potential confounders and effect modifiers.8 Additionally, varied methods and measurements are employed in studies. Therefore, the objective of this meta-analysis is to clarify the potential association between pollutants of traffic-related air pollution with lung cancer, and also the risk of lung cancer among professional drivers occupationally exposed to vehicle emissions.

Materials and methods

Data sources and searches

We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library for studies published in English, as well as the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and SINOMED databases for studies published in Chinese, up to December 2013, evaluating the association between traffic-related air pollution and lung cancer incidence and mortality. Literature research was performed using keywords including: “traffic related;” “motor vehicles;” “lung cancer;” “air pollution;” “carbon monoxide;” “oxides;” “particulate matter;” “ozone;” “sulfur dioxide;” “relative risks;” “incidence;” “mortality;” and corresponding keywords in Chinese. Specific search strategies are presented in detail in Appendix S1. We also screened the reference lists and included additional relevant studies.

Study selection

Inclusion criteria

Observational epidemiological studies (case-control, cohort, nested case-control studies) were included in our analysis. Effect sizes with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) indicating association between traffic-related air pollution and lung cancer (odds ratio [OR], hazard ratio [HR], relative risk [RR], standardized mortality ratio [SMR], standardized incidence ratio [SIR]) are reported, as well as methods used to adjust confounders. Except for studies on occupational exposure to air pollution, the method and period of measurement of each pollutant was required. Traffic-related air pollutants included carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 μm (PM10), and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5). In terms of studies on occupational exposure to air pollution, the specific occupation and location of exposure was required. The criteria for selection of lung cancer cases was also required, and the number of lung cancer cases had to be larger than 30.

Exclusion criteria

Studies with poor quality (ranked C) and/or insufficient data, and duplicate publications were excluded from our analysis.

We included only one article for each study considering the time published, calculation methods, and participants. With respect to studies of ambient exposure reporting effective amounts of air pollution with both lung cancer incidence and mortality, we only included effective numbers of lung cancer incidence once pooled. If a study reported effective numbers of different categories of professional drivers with lung cancer, we included all of these.

Data extraction and analysis

Two of the authors extracted data independently from each article based on study design, age, sampling of participants, measurement of pollutants, source of lung cancer cases, effect sizes, and corresponding confidential intervals, with covariates adjusted. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion and consultation with a third author where necessary. We performed meta-analysis to obtain the weighted average of effect measures using RevMan V.5.2 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK). A Cochran Q statistic test was employed to evaluate heterogeneity between study results. Statistic significance was defined as <0.10. The percentage of variation as a result of heterogeneity was tested with I2 statistics. Effect sizes weighted by inverse variances were pooled with a fixed effect model when there was less than 50% variation because of heterogeneity and P > 0.10, otherwise a random effect model was employed.

Quality assessment of studies

The quality of reporting was evaluated using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement checklist for cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies, version 4.9 Two authors evaluated each article independently and counted the number of STROBE criteria fulfilled. Considering that STROBE criteria are normally used to evaluate the quality of observational epidemiological studies, with respect to studies of pooled analysis and re-analysis when extracting data from other studies, STROBE criteria were adjusted. Specifically, item No.10, item No.14, and item No. 12c-No. 13c were not used while evaluating the quality of studies related to arrival of study size, dealing with missing data, and characteristics of participants, which were reported in previous articles. The studies were classified as having: A, more than 80% of STROBE criteria fulfilled; B, 60–80% of STROBE criteria fulfilled; or C, less than 60% of STROBE criteria fulfilled.10

Results

A total of 1106 articles were identified, including 370 from Pubmed, 694 from Embase, and 45 from Chinese databases, with no Cochrane library articles (Fig 1). After reading full texts, 39 studies were left; however, the effect sizes of two articles were not measured by every 10 unit increments,11,12 and one article ranked “C” in terms of the quality of the study.13 Therefore, 36 studies were finally included in our pooled analysis, among which 14 evaluated the association of ambient exposure to traffic-related air pollution,14–27 and 22 reported professional drivers’ risk of lung cancer.28–49 Two articles included data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition;15,21 to avoid duplication we included data of SO2 exposure from one21 and NO2 exposure from the other. 15

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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Flow diagram of study selection.

Study characteristics

With respect to studies on ambient exposure to traffic-related air pollution, seven were conducted in Europe: four cohort studies,18,20,24,25 two case-control studies,21,27 and a pooled analysis.15 Five studies were conducted in North America: four cohort studies,16,22,23,26 and one case-control study.17 Two cohort studies were conducted in Asia.14,19 Table 1 provides details of these studies.

Table 1.

Characteristics and evaluation of quality of 14 studies on ambient exposure to traffic-related air pollution

Study ID (Reporting quality) Location and study design Age (years) Total participants Lung cancer cases Exposure† (μg/m3) Exposure assessment Outcome Outcome assessment Covariates adjusted for
Yorifuji et al. 201314 (A) Shizuoka, Japan, Cohort 65–84 14001 116 NO2: 35.11 LUR modeling Lung cancer and hemorrhagic stroke Obtained from the database of the Ministry of Health,Labor and Welfare of Japan Age, sex, smoking, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, financial capability and area mean taxable income
Raaschou-Nielsen et al. 201315 (A)†† European, 17 cohorts 42.8–73.1 (mean age) 2380–108018 18–678 PM10: 13.5–48.1, PMcoarse:4.0– 20.8PM2.5: 6.6–31.0, PM2·5absorbance: 0.5-3.2
NO2: 5.2–59.8
NOX: 8.7–107.3		 LUR model Lung cancer Histology Age, sex, calendar time, smoking related variables, occupation, fruit intake, marital status, educational level, employment status and area-level socioeconomic status
Jerrett et al. 201316 (B) California, U.S. Cohort ≥30 73711 1481 PM2.5: 14.09
NO2: 12.27‡
O3: 50.35‡ 		Monthly average monitoring data and LUR models All cause of death including lung cancer Ascertained by volunteers and using the National Death Index Lifestyle, dietary, demographic, occupational and educational factors
Hystad et al. 201317 (A) 8 provinces, Canada, Case-control 63.5 and 59.0(mean age for cases and controls) 5897 2390 PM2.5: 11.9
NO2: 15.4‡
O3: 20.3		 Fixed site monitoring data and proximity measures Lung cancer Histology Age, sex, educational attainment, smoking related variables, alcohol and meat consumption, occupational exposure and geographic covariates.
Cesaroni et al. 201318 (B) Roma, Italy, Cohort ≥30 1265058 12208 NO2: 44
PM2.5: 23		 LUR modeling and PM2.5 dispersion model All cause of death including lung cancer Obtained from Lazio regional health information system Sex, marital status, place of birth, education, occupation, and area-based socioeconomic position
Cao et al. 201019 (B) 17 provinces, China, Cohort 55.8 (mean age) 70947 624 TSP: 289
SO2: 73
NOX: 50		 Fixed-site monitoring data All cause of death including lung cancer Hospital records and death certificates Age, sex, BMI, physical activity, education, smoking status, age at starting to smoke, cigarettes per day, alcohol intake, and hypertension
Beelen et al. 200820 (A) Netherlands, Case-Cohort 55–69 120852 2183 BS: 11.6,
NO2: 36.9
SO2: 13.7
PM2.5: 28.2		 Regulatory monitoring data and LUR models Lung cancer Histopathology and cytopathology Full cohort: age, sex, smoking status and area level indicators of socioeconomics
Vineis et al. 200621 (A) 9 countries, Europe, Nested case-control 60.4 and 60.0 (mean ages for cases and controls) 1008 271 NO2: 12.0–64.7§
PM10: 19.9–73.4§
SO2: 1.1–30.6§ 		Home addresses and data from monitoring stations Lung cancer Histological conformation Age, sex, country, smoking status, time since recruitment, education, BMI, physical activity, cotinine, occupational index and intake of fruit, vegetables, meat, and alcohol )
Laden et al. 200622 (B) 6 cities, U.S. Cohort 25–74 8096 226 PM2.5: nearly 10–40§ Fixed air-monitoring station All cause of death including lung cancer Data obtained from National Death Index Current or former smoking, number of pack-years of smoking for former and current smokers separately, education, and body mass index
Jerrett et al. 200523 (A)†† Los Angeles, U.S. Cohort NA 22905 434 PM2.5: 9.0–27.1§ Data from state and local district monitoring stations All cause of death including lung cancer NA Age, sex, age, O3(average of 4 highest 8 h maxima) and 44 other covariates including lifestyle, dietary, demographic, occupational and educational factors
Filleul et al. 200524 (A) 7 towns, France, Cohort 25–29 14284 178 SO2: 17–85
TSP: NA
BS: 18–152
NO2: 12–61
NO: NA		 Data from centrally located pollution monitoring station All cause of death including lung cancer Data from specialized department of the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) Age, smoking habits, body mass index, educational level, occupational exposure, and stratified by sex
Nafstad et al. 200325 (A) Oslo, Norway, Cohort 40–49 16209 422 NOX: 10.7
SO2: 9.4 		Model calculations using data for observed concentrations and emission from point sources Lung cancer Obtained from Norwegian cancer register Age, smoking habits, physical activity, occupation, height and weight
Pope et al. 200226 (A) 50 states. U.S. Cohort ≥30 Approximately 500000 NA PM2.5: 17.7 Inhalable particle monitoring network and National Aerometric Database All cause of death including lung cancer Death certificates Age, sex, race, smoking, education, marital status, body mass, alcohol consumption, occupational exposure and the diet
Nyberg et al. 200027 (A) Stockholm, Sweden, Case-control 40–75 3406 1042 NO2: 19.85
SO2: 52.75 		Source-specific emission data and dispersion modeling Lung cancer Histology and cytology Age, selection year, smoking, radon, socioeconomic grouping, occupational exposure to diesel exhaust, other combustion products and asbestos, and employment in risk occupation.
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†Mean concentration of exposure. ‡Exposure concentration is measured by ppb. §Range of exposure concentration. ¶Median concentration of exposure. ††Studies evaluated with modified STROBE items. BS, black smoke; LUR, land-use regression; TSP, total suspended particles.

Respecting studies on professional drivers, 11 were conducted in Europe: five cohort studies,28,29,34,41,42 five case-control studies,30,33,35,39,43 and a pooled analysis.37 Ten studies were conducted in America: four cohort studies,30,32,47,49 five case-control studies,38,40,44–46 and one pooled analysis.48 One case-control study was conducted in Asia.36 Table 2 provides details of these studies.

Table 2.

Characteristics and evaluation of quality of 22 studies on occupational exposure to traffic-related air pollution

Study Location and study design Age (years) Total participants Lung cancer cases of drivers Type of drivers Duration of employment Covariance outcome assessment
Petersen et al. 201028 (A) 3 cities, Denmark cohort 22–67 2037 100 Bus drivers 0–44 years Age, calendar time, city of employment, bus route and smoking habits Data obtained from the Danish Cancer Registry
Merlo et al. 201029 (A) Genoa, Italy cohort NA 9267 235 Bus drivers >6 months length of employment, time since first employment and job title death certificates
Consonni et al. 201030 (A) Lombardy, Italy case-control 35–79 4220 149 Bus and truck drivers >6 months Residence, age, smoking, number of jobs held, and education Pathology, cytology and clinical records
Birdsey et al. 201031 (B) U.S. cohort 25–74 156241 557 truck drivers 6 years age, racial group, sex and calendar period Obtained from Social security Administration and the National Death Index
Garshick et al. 200832 (B) U.S. cohort >40 31135 323 Long-haul drivers nearly 15 years age, calendar, decade of hire, race, region, company and smoking Obtained from National Death Index
Richiardi et al. 200633 (A) Turin, Italy case-control <76 1440 70 Professional drivers and transport conductors >20 years Age, cigarette consumption, exposure to occupations, education Radiology, histology and cytology
Jarvholm and Silverman 200334 (B) Sweden cohort 33–40 (mean) 140712 61 incident cases and 57 deaths Truck drivers not clear Age, time period and smoking Obtained from National Cancer registry and National death Registry
Soll-Johanning et al. 200335 (A) Copenhagen, Denmark nested case-control 20–68 843 153 Bus drivers or tramway employees 13 years Smoking Obtained from Danish Cancer Registry
Elci et al. 200336 (B) Turkey case-control NA 2873 88 Unspecified NA age and smoking Histology
Bruske-Hohlfeld et al. 199937 (A)† Germany pooled case-control 60.5 for cases and 60.4 for controls 7039 3498 Professional drivers nearly 16.0 for cases and 14.2 for controls Smoking and asbestos exposure Histology and cytology
Pezzotto and Poletto 199938 (A) Rosario, Argentina case-control 60.1 and 60.1 for cases and controls 943 367 Unspecified >33 years age, smoking habit and lifelong cigarette consumption histology and pathology
Hansen et al. 199839
(A)		 Denmark case-control 18–66 28744 2251 Lorry, bus, taxi and unspecified drivers NA Obtained from Danish Cancer Registry
Muscat et al. 199840 (B) U.S. case-control 58.9 for male cases and 58.6 for female cases 936 550 Unspecified NA Age, education, cumulative smoking Histology
Jakobsson et al. 199741 (B) 4 counties, Sweden cohort 20–64 96438 604 Taxi drivers, long distance lorry drivers and short distance lorry drivers >13 years smoking Obtained from National Swedish Cancer registry
Borgia et al. 199442 (B) Rome, Italy cohort 40 (median) 2311 76 Taxi drivers >13 years NA Obtained from Registry Office
Alfredsson et al. 199343 (B) 4 counties, Sweden cohort 20–64 9446 334 Bus drivers >15 years age, county Obtained from National Cause of Death Registry
Burns and Swanson 199144 (B) Detroit, U.S. case-referent >40 9891 238 Unspecified NA diagnosis, race and smoking Obtained from MDCSS system
Steenland et al. 199045 (A) U.S. case-control NA 2081 730 Long haul drivers and short haul drivers 23.4 for long haul drivers and 24.2 for others age, smoking and asbestos Death certificates
Boffetta et al. 199046 (A) 6 cities, U.S. case-control nearly 60 7683 114 Truck drivers NA smoking, education, race, age, year of interview Histology
Paradis et al. 198947 (A) Montreal, Canada cohort NA 2134 78 Bus drivers >5 years age, sex, cause of death obtained from death registries
Hayes et al. 198948 (B)f 3 states, U.S. pooled case-control NA 4861 320 Truck, bus, and taxi drivers, and chauffeur >10 years birth cohort, daily cigarette use and state not clear
Boffetta et al. 198849 (A) U.S. cohort 40–79 461981 48 Truck drivers >6 years age and smoking Obtained from State Health Departments
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†

Studies evaluated with modified STROBE items.

Exposure to nitrogen dioxide and lung cancer

The association between ambient exposure to nitrogen dioxide and lung cancer was estimated in five studies.14,15,18,24,27 Considering significant heterogeneity (P = 0.05, I2 = 59%), pooled effect size with a random effect model showed that ambient exposure to nitrogen dioxide increased the risk of lung cancer (meta-OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.99–1.13). (Fig 2)

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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Lung Cancer and NO2 (odds ratio per 10 μg/m3). CI, confidence interval.

Exposure to nitrogen oxides and lung cancer

The relationship between ambient exposure to nitrogen oxides (mainly NO and NO2) was examined in two studies;19,25 a fixed effect model was employed and the result showed an increased risk of lung cancer exposure to nitrogen oxides (meta-OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07). (Fig 3)

Figure 3.

Figure 3

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Lung Cancer and NOX (odds ratio per 10 μg/m3). CI, confidence interval.

Exposure to sulfur dioxide and lung cancer

The association of ambient exposure to sulfur dioxide and lung cancer was estimated in five studies.19,21,24,25,27 Considering no heterogeneity (P = 0.48, I2 = 0%), the effect size was pooled with a fixed effect model, which showed an increased risk of lung cancer exposure to sulfur dioxide (meta-OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02–1.05). (Fig 4)

Figure 4.

Figure 4

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Lung Cancer and SO2 (odds ratio per 10 μg/m3). CI, confidence interval.

Exposure to fine particulate matter and lung cancer

The relationship between ambient exposure to fine particulate matter and lung cancer was examined in six studies.17,18,20,22,23,26 As a result of heterogeneity (P = 0.02, I2 = 64%), the pooled effect with a random effect model revealed an increased risk of lung cancer exposure to fine particulate matter (P = 0.02, I2 = 64%). (Fig 5)

Figure 5.

Figure 5

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Lung Cancer and PM2.5 (odds ratio per 10 μg/m3). CI, confidence interval.

Exposure to other pollutants and lung cancer

Some studies reported the association between exposure to coarse particulate matter and ozone with lung cancer,11,12,15–17 but effect sizes calculated with varied measurements could not be pooled in our meta-analysis; therefore, we collected all pollutant-specific effect sizes calculated with different measurements. These are listed in Table 3.

Table 3.

Association between air pollution and lung cancer with varied measurements of effect sizes

Increase Number of studies OR 95%CI
NO2
 4.1167 ppb 1 1.11 (1.02, 1.21)
 8 ppb 1 1.06 (0.97, 1.15)
 10 ppb 1 1.11 (1.00, 1.24)
 10 μg/m3 6 1.04 (1.01, 1.07)
 16 μg/m3 1 1.46 (0.92, 2.32)
 30 μg/m3 2 0.88 (0.75, 1.04)
NOX
 10 μg/m3 2 1.04 (1.01, 1.07)
 20 μg/m3 1 1.01 (0.95, 1.07)
SO2
 4 ppb 1 1.09 (0.98, 1.21)
 10 μg/m3 5 1.03 (1.02, 1.05)
 20 μg/m3 2 0.88 (0.75, 1.04)
PM 2.5
 5.3037 ppb 1 1.06 (0.95, 1.18)
 10 μg/m3 6 1.08 (1.04, 1.12)
O3
 10 ppb 1 1.09 (0.85, 1.39)
 24.1782ppb 1 0.86 (0.75, 0.99)
PM10
 6 μg/m3 1 1.00 (0.92,1.08)
 7 μg/m3 1 1.84 (1.23,2.74)
 10 μg/m3 1 1.22 (1.03, 1.45)
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Risk of lung cancer among professional drivers

The risk of lung cancer incidence among professional drivers was examined by 14 studies.28,30,33–41,44,46,48 Considering heterogeneity (P = 0.02, I2 = 44%), the pooled effect size with a random effect model showed an increased risk (meta-OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.19–1.36). (Fig 6)

Figure 6.

Figure 6

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Forest plot of the association of occupational exposure of drivers and lung cancer incidence and mortality. CI, confidence interval.Note:1. Jakobsson et al.41 evaluated the risk of lung cancer among three kinds of professional drivers, taxi drivers, long distance lorry drivers and short distance lorry drivers, and we included three effect sizes, which were noted as Jakobsson et al.41 (1), Jakobsson et al.41 (2) and Jakobsson et al.41 (3). Similar treatment was applied to Hansen et al.39 and Steenland et al.452: As all effect sizes were represented with two decimal places, because of the difference in calculation precision, several odds ratios were slightly different from those reported originally, such as Pezzotto and Poletto.38

The risk of lung cancer mortality was evaluated by 10 studies.13,29,31,32,34,42,43,45,47,49 The pooled effect size with a random model revealed an increased risk (meta-OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04–1.26). (Fig 6)

Our results illustrated that no significant difference existed between risks of professional drivers developing and dying of lung cancer (confidence intervals overlap). We pooled the effect sizes respecting incidence and mortality, which showed a significantly higher risk (meta-OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.14–1.31). (Fig 7) Studies on occupations other than professional drivers were also identified in our literature search, such as truck industry workers,50 railway workers,51 and filling station attendants.52 However this data was not included in our meta-analysis, because there were limited articles after duplicate exclusion or the effect size could not be extracted, particularly for professional drivers.

Figure 7.

Figure 7

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Forest plot of the risk of lung cancer among professional drivers (pooled effect sizes of incidence and mortality).Note: Jarvholm and Silverman34 reported effect sizes of both lung cancer incidence and mortality, but we only included incidence data in this figure, noted as Jarvholm and Silverman34 (1). CI, confidence interval.

Discussion

Outdoor air pollution is derived from resources other than vehicle emissions, including industry, energy, and household heating. However, vehicle emissions account for 25–40% of air pollution.3 The International Agency for Research on Cancer recently reviewed toxicological and epidemiologic evidence and classified diesel engine exhaust as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).53

The results of our meta-analysis indicate that ambient exposure to nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matters significantly increase the risk of lung cancer. Most ambient nitrogen dioxide is derived from oxidation of nitrogen monoxide, which is mainly produced by vehicle emissions. Nitrogen dioxide involves a series of photochemical reactions induced by sunlight. During the process, nitrate, sulphate, and organic aerosol are produced which further promote the formation of particulate matter and harmful secondary pollutants.54 Animal studies indicate that the inhalation of sulfur dioxide causes multi-organ DNA lesions, including in the lung, which can develop into mutation, cancers, and relevant diseases.55 The surfaces of fine particles can absorb various chemicals. Compared with coarse particles, fine particles are more likely to pervade indoors and be inhaled deeply in the lung; therefore ambient exposure to fine particles is more prevalent.56 According to the latest cancer registry data, in China the incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer both ranked first among cancers.57 In 2010, air pollution was the fourth leading risk factor for the disease in China.58 Thus, the association between air pollution and lung cancer should be viewed as a major public health threat. Despite this data, of the studies we obtained through our literature search, only one cohort study was conducted in China.15 However, Zhang et al. examined the correlation of ambient SO42− level and lung cancer in Beijing, and according to Zhou et al., a higher exposure to particulate air pollution increased the risk of cardiopulmonary mortality among Chinese men.59,60 Considering various components, distributions of air pollution geologically, and different effects of air pollution on people in varied age groups,61 the results of studies conducted in Western populations cannot be directly extrapolated to China. Surveillance data indicates that the exposure level of air pollution in China is much higher than in Western countries. For instance, during the first half of 2013, the average concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 in 74 Chinese cities were 76 μg/m3 and 123 μg/m3 respectively,62 but PM2.5 and PM10 in nine European regions reported by Raaschou-Nielsen15 ranged from 6.6–31.0 μg/m3 and 13.5–48.1 μg/m3, respectively. In light of our results that the risk of lung cancer increases with a higher exposure level, the association between air pollution and lung cancer may be much stronger in heavily polluted areas.63 In order to provide basic data for scientific research and policymaking aimed to prevent air pollution, more environmental monitoring stations need to be established in China, especially in rural areas.19 More studies need to be conducted to illustrate the distribution of varied pollutants and their relationships with diseases. China will soon implement the fifth set of light vehicle emission limits and measurement methods; however, these do not provide limits for sulfur dioxide emissions.64 Considering the significant association between exposure to sulfur dioxide and lung cancer, the government and relevant associations should limit vehicle emissions of sulfur dioxide and strengthen the management of vehicle emissions.

Through our literature review, the evaluations of the risk of lung cancer among professional drivers are relatively consistent, which might be attributed to a higher exposure to relevant pollutants and longer duration compared with controls. In some studies, the association between professional exposure to air pollution and lung cancer was found to be insignificant. However, as hazardous pollutants including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are produced in the process of gasoline and diesel combustions,3 the government should cooperate with the automobile industry, energy department, and transportation companies to promote the consumption of cleaner fuels, such as natural gas and electricity. As professional drivers must pass regular examinations to get their driver's licenses, they must maintain a certain level of health to perform their jobs, known as the healthy worker effect.65 However, the general population includes individuals unemployed as a result of poor health and related conditions. The duration of employment might not be an accurate predictor of cumulative exposure to traffic-related air pollution, which potentially leads to an underestimation of the risk of lung cancer because of exposure misclassification.28

Because of the limited studies obtained, we were not able to employ subgroup analysis by regions, gender, and smoking status. We could not use controls for these variables with multi-regression models, which potentially leads to bias to some extent. As some studies did not provide effect sizes measured by every 10 μg/m3 increment of exposure, the exclusion of such studies might also cause a selection bias. Considering the existence of interactions between pollutants, individual analysis of one particular pollutant might overestimate its effect on lung cancer.66

Conclusion

Exposure to nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter were positively associated with a risk of lung cancer. Occupational exposure to air pollution among professional drivers significantly increased the incidence and mortality of lung cancer.

Acknowledgments

This study is a part of the “Strengthen Capacity of Study and Application on Burden of Disease in Health Care System of China (12-107),” supported by CMB. We are grateful to Aaron J Cohen of the Health Effects Institute and Ghassan Hamra of the International Agency for Research on Cancer who provided commends on our draft.

Disclosure

No authors report any conflict of interest.

Supporting Information

Appendix S1 Strategy of literature search.

tca0006-0307-sd1.docx (37KB, docx)

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Appendix S1 Strategy of literature search.

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