Air Pollution Increases Risk Of Cancers Of The Neck, Especially Throat. Here's How, And Who Is At Greater Risk

Polluted air consists of chemicals which damage DNA and cause protein adducts, which are complex formed when a chemical binds to a biological molecule. 

The reason why air pollution increases the risk of neck cancer is that pollutants have genotoxic and mutagenic effects on DNA. This is a driver for cancer development. ( Image Source :Getty )

Air pollution can cause cancers of the neck, especially the throat. The throat is also known as the pharynx. Outdoor air pollution is extremely dangerous and has been classified as a Class I human carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). Not only does air pollution increase the risk of cancers of the lungs and head, but also of the neck. Neck cancers are cancers that can occur in the squamous cells lining the mucosal surfaces of the neck, which includes the oral cavity, throat or