Air pollution and breast cancer.
What is the link?
How does air pollution increase your risk of breast cancer?
Most studies have found that traffic-related air pollution may increase breast cancer risk. In particular, high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may also increase risk, whilst the link between particulate matter (PM) and breast cancer is inconclusive. Some evidence, including a 2023 UK study, has shown that exposure to particulate matter may increase breast cancer risk, whilst other studies found no link.
There is limited evidence on indoor air pollution and breast cancer, but a small number of studies in humans have suggested that burning gas or wood for cooking and heating may increase risk.
Tips to reduce your exposure to air pollution.
Improve ventilation.
Ensure good ventilation in your home. Choose fragrance-free products and avoid sprays.
Reduce household dust.
Vacuum and dust with a damp cloth. EDCs can accumulate in dust and increase your exposure.
Limit indoor combustion and avoid busy traffic.
Avoid appliances that burn fuel or wood. Plan your route to avoid busy roads.
Key facts about air pollution.
- Air pollution is linked to at least 28,000 deaths in the UK each year.
- Pollutants can come from traffic, heating, industrial and waste facilities.
- Outdoor air pollution has been linked to cancer in humans.
- Studies have shown that traffic-related air pollution can increase breast cancer risk.
- The products and appliances in our homes may contribute to indoor air pollution by releasing harmful chemicals.
Why is air pollution a problem?
Strong scientific evidence shows that outdoor air pollution, as well as some substances in it, can promote cancer in humans. In addition, some pollutants in outdoor and indoor air may also be Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) that can interfere with our hormones.
Sources of air pollution.
What are the main pollutants linked to vehicle traffic?
The main source of outdoor air pollution in the UK is traffic pollution. The main traffic pollutants are particulate matter (PM), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which are all emitted when fuel is burned.
Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of particles scattered in air which are small enough to be inhaled. These solid particles can trap and carry other chemicals emitted by traffic, some of which may be cancer-causing or EDCs.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) arise from the burning of certain materials such as wood, coal, gas and tobacco. They can enter the air from vehicle emissions, fires and smoking.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a gas associated with traffic emissions, particularly diesel engines. Nitrogen dioxide is often measured to estimate the levels of traffic-related pollution. Higher levels of nitrogen dioxide mean poorer air quality.
What contributes to indoor air pollution in my home?
Within our homes, products containing fragrances, such as sprays, candles, air fresheners, cleaning and beauty products, may release phthalates and other EDCs into the air. Chemicals can also accumulate in dust, which can be carried in the air and breathed in.
Air pollutants may also be released by some cooking or heating appliances that work by burning gas or wood and the burning of candles.
Ensuring adequate ventilation in our homes can reduce air pollution and improve air quality.
Air pollutants may be released by burning wood in your home.
Start your prevention journey today.
Here are 3 easy changes to reduce your exposure to air pollution:
- Stop burning indoors: avoid burning candles, incense, or wood in your fireplace, as these are major sources of indoor particulate matter pollution.
- Damp dust and vacuum: regularly vacuum with a HEPA-filtered vacuum and wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth to remove fine dust particles where pollutants accumulate.
- Go Fragrance-Free: switch to unscented or natural cleaning and personal care products, as synthetic fragrances often contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that pollute indoor air.
Remember, small changes add up over time and can help reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Further reading
For more information, please read our Air Pollution and Breast Cancer science review.
Download our Guide to EDCs to learn more about reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals.
Last review: Nov-24 | Next review: Nov-27.
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- International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans https://monographs.iarc.who.int/list-of-classifications/ (accessed October 23, 2024).
- Office for Health Improvements and Disparities. Air pollution: applying All Our Health 2022. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/air-pollution-applying-all-our-health/air-pollution-applying-all-our-health (accessed October 23, 2024).
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- Amadou A, Praud D, Coudon T, Deygas F, Grassot L, Faure E, et al. Risk of breast cancer associated with long-term exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) air pollution: Evidence from the French E3N cohort study. Environ Int 2021;149:106399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2021.106399.
- Madrigal JM, Pruitt CN, Fisher JA, Liao LM, Graubard BI, Gierach GL, et al. Carcinogenic industrial air pollution and postmenopausal breast cancer risk in the National Institutes of Health AARP Diet and Health Study. Environ Int 2024;191:108985. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108985.
- Rhee J, Medgyesi DN, Fisher JA, White AJ, Sampson JN, Sandler DP, et al. Residential proximity to dioxin emissions and risk of breast cancer in the sister study cohort. Environ Res 2023;222:115297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2023.115297.
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