PM2.5: The main culprit behind cancer 

According to the monitoring data of the PM 2.5 dust situation from September 1, 2023 to May 20, 2024 from the air quality monitoring stations of the Pollution Control Department and the Bangkok Metropolitan Government, the average PM 2.5 value was between 4.8 and 218.6 micrograms per cubic meter, with particulate matter exceeding the standard in 64 provinces, and of these, 44 provinces were at the level of health impact.  

PM 2.5 dust is a small particulate matter (PM) with a particle size of not more than 2.5 microns. This toxic dust is 20 to 28 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair, and that means it is more likely to enter the body more easily and quickly than larger particles. In addition, PM 2.5 dust can also contain inorganic compounds (sulfates, nitrates, ammonia), organic compounds, etc. Heavy metals (cadmium, copper, zinc) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as well as allergens and pathogens can also be detected.  

This toxic dust is not new, but has been in our daily lives for a long time. Generally, there is a lot of it during the change of seasons, causing poor ventilation. There is an accumulation of dust and smoke in the air, resulting in such a phenomenon as we can see. In addition to climate reasons. Human activities can also promote PM 2.5 dust. Burning fuels like charcoal Burning of forests, burning of grass from the reaction of gases in the atmosphere. from industrial plants and household activities such as smoking. Cooking (frying, stir-frying, grilling, grilling) Lighting incense candles, lamps, using photocopiers, etc. 

The problem of dust exceeding the standard value affects health. Not only the respiratory system, but also other body systems. The elderly and the sick are the groups that will be affected more than other groups.  

The danger of PM 2.5 dust is 22 micrograms per cubic meter, equivalent to 1 cigarette. The toxic smoke inhaled by people in Bangkok is equivalent to about 1,225 cigarettes cigarettes throughout the year, or an average of 3.36 cigarettes per day, which is considered very dangerous because PM 2.5 dust is a very small particle. It can penetrate deep into the human body until it penetrates the alveoli of the lungs, passes into the bloodstream, and affects physical health as follows: 

stimulates the production of free radicals and inflammation. 

PM 2.5 dust can stimulate the production of free radicals, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation. It causes the destruction of the genetic code, inhibits the repair of the genetic code, and causes various disorders, and one of them is cancer.  

shorten telomeres. 

Telomeres are the distal ends of chromosomes. It prevents the genetic code from being destroyed during cell division. Exposure to PM 2.5 dust shortens the telomeres at a faster rate than normal. Therefore, the genetic code can be damaged and is one of the causes of various chronic diseases.  

Induce chronic diseases 

Exposure to PM 2.5 dust is associated with cell damage, which can lead to allergies and various chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and most seriously, cancer. In addition, PM 2.5 dust contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies as one of the carcinogens for humans.  

The study was published in the journal Environmental Health Perspective in 2014. It shows that the risk of lung cancer increases by 40% from exposure to PM 2.5 dust, especially if you smoke, there is a 26% increase in risk. Research published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment in 2021 The 2018 journal Cancer Causes & Control reported the relationship between the size of breast cancer tumors and PM 2.5 dust, which increases the risk by up to 63%. Reported 26% Increased Liver Cancer Risk from PM 2.5 Exposure 

Taking care to protect yourself from PM 2.5 dust 

• Avoid prolonged outdoor activities to reduce the chance of exposure to PM 2.5 dust or wear a protective mask. If there is a need to go to areas with a lot of dust. 
• Choose public transportation. Vehicles that use electric systems instead of fuel that causes dust and smoke. 
• Avoid activities that increase the amount of dust, such as smoking. Candle incense burning Reduce the cooking of grilled and grilled dishes by choosing boiling and steaming instead. 
• Organize your residence, clean and install air filters regularly.  
• Take care of your physical health, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, get enough and quality sleep, and take care of your emotions to avoid stress. Regular check-ups and if abnormalities are found, consult a medical professional immediately. 

Solving the problem of PM 2.5 toxic dust requires cooperation from all sectors to bring back the air that we can breathe safely, and together change our behavior to take care of the environment along with taking care of our own health.  

Reference List 

• The California Air Resources Board. Inhalable Particulate Matter and Health (PM2.5 and PM10) [Internet]. 2017 Aug 6 [cited 2023 Feb 7]. Available from: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/ 
• resources/inhalable-particulate-matter-and-health 
• Dust Surveillance Group, Chulalongkorn University. Learn to live with PM2.5 dust [Internet]. Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University, 2019 [accessed 7 February 2023]. Accessed from https://www.chula.ac.th/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Chula-PM25.pdf 
• Ministry of Health. Summary Report on the Situation and Performance in the Medical and Public Health Sector Haze and dust cases in 2024 
• Spring News. Statistics for 2022 27 January 2023 [Accessed on 8 February 2023 https://www.springnews.co.th/keep-the-world/climate-change/834787]. 
• Zhao B, Vo HQ, Johnston FH, Negishi K. Air pollution and telomere length: a systematic review of 12,058 subjects. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther. 2018;8(4):480-92. 
• World Health Organisation. WHO global air quality guidelines: particulate matter (‎PM2.5 and PM10)‎, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide [Internet]. 2021 Sep 22 [cited 2023 Feb 8]. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240034228 
• Hamra GB, Guha N, Cohen A, Laden F, Raaschou-Nielsen O, Samet JM, Vineis P, Forastiere F, Saldiva P, Yorifuji T, Loomis D. Outdoor particulate matter exposure and lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental health perspectives. 2014 Jun 6. 
• Prada D, Baccarelli AA, Terry MB, Valdéz L, Cabrera P, Just A, Kloog I, Caro H, García-Cuellar C, Sánchez-Pérez Y, Cruz R. Long-term PM 2.5 exposure before diagnosis is associated with worse outcome in breast cancer. Breast cancer research and treatment. 2021 Jul;188:525-33. 
• VoPham T, Bertrand KA, Tamimi RM, Laden F, Hart JE. Ambient PM 2.5 air pollution exposure and hepatocellular carcinoma incidence in the United States. Cancer Causes & Control. 2018 Jun;29:563-72.