# Effect of Particulate Matter Pollution on Global Lung Cancer Burden: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990–2021

## TL;DR

This study examines how particulate matter pollution affects lung cancer deaths and disability worldwide from 1990 to 2021, highlighting trends and disparities.

## Contribution

The study provides a systematic global analysis of particulate matter pollution's impact on lung cancer mortality and disability trends over three decades.

## Key findings

- Ambient particulate matter pollution (APMP) is increasing as a cause of lung cancer, while household air pollution (HAP) is declining.
- Lung cancer burden from particulate pollution is rising in elderly populations and in females.
- High-middle SDI regions have the highest particulate matter-related lung cancer mortality.

## Abstract

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer mortality globally, with particulate matter pollution (PMP) identified as a critical environmental risk. This study analyzes long‐term trends in age‐standardized mortality (ASMR) and disability‐adjusted life‐year rates (ASDR) for PMP‐attributable lung cancer, with projections to 2030.

Using Global Burden of Disease data, we evaluated temporal trends across age, sex, and Sociodemographic Index (SDI) regions through age‐period‐cohort and Bayesian models.

Global Trends: PMP‐related ASMR/ASDR declined significantly over the study period, while ambient PMP (APMP)‐attributable rates increased, contrasting with household air pollution (HAP)‐related declines. Age and Sex Disparities: Mortality burden shifted toward older populations, with APMP‐related deaths rising sharply in the elderly. Males exhibited faster declines in PMP/HAP‐related mortality, whereas females faced steeper increases in APMP‐attributable risks. SDI variations: High‐middle SDI regions consistently had the highest PMP‐related mortality, with ASMR trends reflecting industrialization phases. Projections: PMP‐related burdens are expected to rise globally, driven by aging populations and persistent pollution in middle‐SDI regions.

The escalating burden in vulnerable populations demands urgent interventions, including air quality improvement, tobacco control, and enhanced screening, Notably, China consistently exhibited the world's highest PMP‐attributable lung cancer ASMR (13.6 per 100 000 in 1990, declining to 10.1 per 100 000 in 2021). Future strategies must integrate gender‐specific risk mitigation and environmental‐genetic assessments to address disparities.

(A) Main Sources of PMP, APMP, and HAP and the Background of Particulate Pollution Leading to Lung Cancer. (B) Analytical Methods and Results from the GBD Database. (C) Increase in Lung Cancer Burden from PMP and APMP Between 1990 and 2020, Decrease in Lung Cancer Burden from HAP Over the Same Period. (D) Lung Cancer Burden from Particulate Pollution Increases in the Elderly, Decreases in Males, and Increases in Females. (E) Lung Cancer Burden from Particulate Pollution in Different SDI Regions, Displayed by Bubble Size, with High and Low SDI Regions Having Heavier Burden. (F) Projection for 2030: The Lung Cancer Burden from PMP, APMP, and HAP Will All Increase. Abbreviations: APMP, ambient particulate matter pollution; HAP, household air pollution from solid fuels; GBD, global burden of disease; PMP, particulate matter pollution; SDI, sociodemographic index.