Non-Dioxin-Like PCBs – the Key Air Pollutant Associated with Lung Cancer in 15 Cities in Silesia

Abstract

We investigated the relationship between atmospheric pollutants and lung cancer incidence in Silesia. The key aim was to answer the question whether differences in lung cancer incidence across cities in Silesia can be explained in part by differences in air pollution exposure, and which carcinogenic pollutants are the most important risk factors. We used data from the National Health Fund to measure lung cancer incidence in each city. Measurements of PM 10 and specific pollutants, including B[a]P, Cd, and PCBs, were taken from monitoring stations and a regional study. The linear regression model was used to investigate the relationship between individual pollutants and the incidence rate of lung cancer. Multivariate regression analysis was also carried out to assess the combined effect of pollutants on lung cancer incidence. In the multivariate model, exposure to ndl-PCBs appears to be the most significant predictor of lung cancer incidence (among women) when controlling the mixture of pollutants. The results of our study suggest that while overall pollution levels in Silesia have decreased, substantial disparities remain in pollution exposure and in lung cancer incidence. It is important to note that, for Silesia, the sources of ndl-PCBs tend to be associated with specific domestic or small-scale activities, such as burning plastic waste.