PM 2.5 Toxic Dust: A Cause of Serious Diseases, Early Screening to Prevent Lung Cancer

The PM 2.5 dust situation has returned to cover Thailand once more, with reports showing dust levels at "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," meaning "not good for health," especially in Bangkok and its vicinity. Heavy traffic, various constructions, and pollution cause dust and smoke, raising the air quality index to levels hazardous to health.

What diseases are caused by PM 2.5 dust?

1. Respiratory system diseases

PM 2.5 dust is a factor that causes and triggers respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and emphysema. The risk is higher among smokers, drug users, and those who work outdoors regularly.

2. Allergies and dermatitis

PM 2.5 dust can trigger allergy symptoms and cause skin inflammation or irritation. This can affect young children, adults, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.

3. Eye inflammation and irritation

PM 2.5 dust can settle on the eyes and conjunctiva, causing irritation, itching, burning sensation, tearing, or conjunctivitis.

4. Heart, blood vessel, and brain diseases

PM 2.5 dust affects the circulatory system by causing blood vessel inflammation and dysfunction, increasing the risk of ischemic heart disease and stroke.

5. Lung cancer

Long-term exposure to PM 2.5 dust increases the risk of lung cancer by approximately 1 to 1.4 times when continuously exposed to pollution, especially among smokers or those living in highly polluted areas regularly.

Prevention and behavior during PM 2.5 situations

• During dust situations, stay indoors, ensure good ventilation, install air purifiers, and avoid going outside the building area.
• When traveling outdoors, wear masks with dust protection standards (such as N95), especially on days with high dust levels and poor ventilation.
• Monitor air quality through applications or websites to check and plan accordingly.
• Avoid outdoor activities and exercise on days with high dust levels.
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Exercise regularly and eat nutritious food to build strong immunity.
• Consult a doctor immediately if experiencing symptoms such as respiratory irritation, difficulty breathing, chronic cough, or shortness of breath.

How is PM 2.5 related to lung cancer?

• Particles smaller than 2.5 microns enter the respiratory system. When inhaled, PM 2.5 can enter the bloodstream. Accumulation causes continuous inflammation in lung tissue, a factor that can trigger abnormal cell growth.
• PM 2.5 causes chronic lung inflammation. Long-term inhalation can damage DNA in cells, causing gene mutations that eventually lead to lung cancer.
• The dust contains carcinogens. This type of dust carries many harmful chemicals that are long-term carcinogens, which interfere with the body's natural mechanisms for cell repair.

Screening and assessing lung cancer risk from PM 2.5

At-risk groups include children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases (lung, heart, brain, kidney). Those exposed to carcinogens should avoid dust pollution and undergo annual health checkups for early lung cancer screening and prevention.

For lung cancer risk groups, lung cancer screening (Low-dose CT scan) is recommended. Individuals aged 50 or older or long-term smokers should be regularly screened to reduce lung cancer risk from PM 2.5. If concerned about lung health, one should promptly consult a doctor for advice and appropriate care.

Article by Dr. Yanisa Kluanwan, a respiratory and critical care medicine specialist at World Medical Hospital (WMC).