For over a decade, Malaysians have endured seasonal transboundary haze, forcing them to breathe polluted air.
PM2.5 — microscopic airborne particles ≤2.5 micrometres in diameter (about 1/30th the width of a human hair) — is one of the most important environmental risk factors for lung cancer, second only to smoking globally.
Because of their small size, these particles bypass the upper airway’s defences and penetrate deep into the lungs, causing chronic inflammation and respiratory diseases, including lung cancer.
Long-term cumulative exposure to the annual transboundary haze — as experienced by Malaysians over the past decade — must therefore be regarded as a significant health hazard. The elevated lung cancer risk demands attention today, even if it only manifests years later.
Lung cancer remains Malaysia’s leading cause of cancer-related deaths — the second most prevalent cancer among men and the leading cause of cancer mortality. Among Malaysian women, it is the second deadliest cancer after breast cancer.
Ambient air pollution, including haze, is a well-recognised risk factor for lung cancer, particularly in non-smokers.
Every preventive measure possible to reduce this environmental risk should be taken.
The health of the nation and its people must not be left at the mercy of which way the wind blows.
For full article, source: MalaysiaKini
