Lung Cancer Causes

THE FIVE CAUSES OF LUNG CANCER Smoking, particularly of cigarettes, is by far the main contributor to lung cancer. Cigarette smoke contains over 60 known carcinogens, including radioisotopes from the radon decay sequence, nitrosamine, and benzopyrene. Radon gas, colorless and odorless gas generated by the breakdown of radioactive radium, which in turn is the decay product of uranium, found in the Earth's crust. The radiation decay products ionize genetic material, causing mutations that sometimes turn cancerous. Asbestos, causes a variety of lung diseases, including lung cancer. Tobacco smoking and asbestos have a synergistic effect on the formation of lung cancer. Asbestos can also cause cancer of the pleura, called mesothelioma. Air Pollution, outdoor air pollution has a small effect on increasing the risk of lung cancer. Fine particulates and sulfate aerosols, which may be released in traffic exhaust fumes, are associated with slightly increased risk. Genetics, It is estimated that 8 to 1496 of lung cancer is due to inherited factors. In relatives of people with lung cancer, the risk is increased 2.4 times. This is likely due to a combination of genes.